Made in the Mill mural takes centre stage in the town’s Lawn Street

The latest mural in the Paisley First Walls Series has been completed in the town’s Lawn Street with a message from one of the town’s community groups taking centre stage.

Paisley First BID Manager Andrew Mitchell, Alastair Marshall and Mandi Cowan from Made in the Mill, artist Duncan Wilson, NHS Creative Arts Co-ordinator Sarah Grant with Made in the Mill’s Derek Collins and Paisley First Vice Chair David Wallace

Made in the Mill worked with Paisley based artist Duncan Wilson to create a design concept which raises awareness of mental health.

The group, an artists’ collective based in Mile End Mill Paisley and supported by the NHS, works with artists who use art and creativity as part of their recovery.

Artist Duncan Wilson, who completed the mural in just 10 days, said: “I always enjoy working outside on murals, it’s a great opportunity to talk to passers-by and local businesses about the project and to hear their positive feedback about how the mural’s developing.”

“I hope it also gives a voice to all the participants at Made in the Mill who took part in creating the design and that it conveys the message they wanted to share with Paisley.”

Sarah Grant, Creative Arts Co-ordinator with the NHS Network Service, who supports Made in the Mill, said: “‘The NHS and Made in the Mill are delighted with the mural – it looks amazing! It conveys a great message about recovery, which came directly from the group and promotes positive mental health and wellbeing.”

“We hope that everyone will connect with the message of ‘getting your head above the clouds’ and taking time out to relax and breathe.”

“Made in the Mill promotes creativity in recovery and the members of the group have spent several weeks, working with artist Duncan Wilson, to develop their ideas.”

“The group have loved the opportunity to be involved in such a public piece of art and are so pleased with the outcome and the wonderful job that Duncan has done.”

Mandi Cowan from Made in the Mill, who came up with the initial concept, said: “Stop and take a breath, it just helps anybody with everyday life.”

Paisley First Vice Chairman, David Wallace, said: “I am sure this latest mural will prove yet another great talking point for the people of Paisley and visitors to the town.”

“Each mural has its own distinct theme and it’s great to see our community groups tackling the big issues and sending out such a strong message.”

The Paisley First Walls Series is part-funded with a grant through Renfrewshire’s Culture, Heritage and Events Fund.

Paisley 2021 Bid Director Jean Cameron said: “The existing murals already make wonderful additions to the town centre and we are delighted to have helped Paisley First fund this great project.”

“One of the key aims of Paisley’s UK City of Culture 2021 bid is to create opportunities to harness the power of culture makes people’s lives better – involvement in cultural activity has a proven impact on health and well-being.”
“For this latest mural to be raising awareness of mental health issues is a perfect way to bring that message to life.”

This is the third Paisley First mural with two other murals on the town’s Storie Street and Johnston Street also attracting visitors to the town.

Work on the fourth mural in the series is expected to get underway at Lady Lane next week.