Introduction

This evening I am presenting a feature on a piece of industrial history as manifested in Paisley’s textile mills.

Information on Paisley and it’s Textile Mills: Section 1

During the 19th and 20th centuries Paisley became the epicentre for production of shawls. The shawl designs were based on garments imported by the East India Company. The first shawls woven in Paisley were made around 1808, and by 1850 there were over 7000 weavers in the town. The town’s hand loom weavers were expert at weaving fine lawns and muslins. Thus Paisley was well positioned to seize the opportunity when the intricately patterned became the height of fashion.

The shawls were oversized squares as well as rectangular in shape. Later shawls measured four metres in length and two metres in width. They were usually made from blends of silk, wool and cotton.

Paisley’s output soon dominated the market. This resulted in the huge output of shawls and traditional patterns becoming known as ‘paisleys’.

Shawls suffered a decline in popularity during the 1870s. This was due to a combination of reduction in price,increase in availability and a change in women’s fashion.

Information on Paisley and it’s Textile Mills: Section 2

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries Paisley’s prosperity was driven by the great thread mills. These were owned by the Coats and Clark families.The mills employed thousands of local people producing sewing thread for export all over the world.

Some of the of the mill buildings still remain. Additionally, the wealthy mill owners gifted to the town a legacy of buildings which include:

• The Museum
• Coats Observatory
• The Clark Town Hall
• Thomas Coats Memorial Church

Another important building worthy of a visit is the 12th century Paisley Abbey.

Sadly the textile business has declined to a shadow of its former self. Many of the former mill buildings have been demolished or converted to other uses, e.g. business parks.

However, the successor to the thread business, Coats Group plc still exists. This is a British multi-national company. It is the world’s largest manufacturer and distributor of sewing thread and supplies. Coats also ranks as the second-largest manufacturer of zips and fasteners, after YKK. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Visiting Paisley

For persons interested in industrial history Paisley is deserving of a visit. Although the town does not usually feature on tourist trails it easily accessible. Paisley is home to Glasgow Airport and served by rail and bus links.The town is about eleven miles west of Glasgow.

More information

For more information on Scotland and it’s cities please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This publication is also available via Kindle.