Young football team on course for charity cash
June 8, 2017Made in the Mill mural takes centre stage in the town’s Lawn Street
June 8, 2017
A Lion legacy has taken pride of place in Paisley town centre.
Paisley first and local businesses support Paisley 2021 bid for UK City of Culture 7.11.17
Pic with Lion L to R
Ken MacDonald (Houston Kiltmakers), Jean Cameron (Paisley 2021), Graeme McGowan (MSM Solicitors), Thomas Sinclair (JewelFare), Provost Lorraine Cameron, Colette Cardosi (Pendulum), Ian Henderson (Paisley First)
With the theme “Inspired by the town of Paisley and its people”, local artist Maureen Rocksmoore was commissioned to bring her colourful design “Superbia – our pride is our strength” to life as a permanent lion landmark.
Superbia has now taken its place among the rest of the town’s landmarks near the Cenotaph on High Street.
Maureen, a renowned visual arts specialist born and living in Paisley, created a design inspired by Paisley’s history of design and manufacturing which is renowned throughout the world.
Paisley First Vice Chairman, David Wallace, said: “Maureen’s design is rich and vibrant and really encapsulates the real spirit of the Pride of Paisley which was enjoyed by thousands of visitors to Paisley last year.”
“We are thrilled to see a permanent lion legacy take its place among the town’s other famous landmarks.”
Maureen said: “The blue pattern throughout my design represents the River Cart running through the heart of the town.”
“While the proud peacock, a symbol of Paisley pride is a common feature in shawls and the cotton threads carried by birds symbolises how far Paisley’s reputation has travelled throughout the world.”
Initially unpainted, this lion was donated to Paisley First by local company MacAsphalt.
David added: “We are extremely grateful to Jamie Crumlish of MacAsphalt, who bought four painted lions at the auction and also kindly donated three unpainted lions, one each, to both hospices and Paisley First.”
The Pride of Paisley 2016 consisted of 25 full sized lions which were painted by artists and 40 mini lions which were painted by local school children.
The event was visited by more than 20,000 people with the 25 larger lions then auctioned off to the benefit of two local hospices- ACCORD and St Vincent’s- with the final amount raised a staggering £79,300.
