Guest speaker, Valerie Reilly will reveal the story behind the Paisley shawl on Thursday at Paisley & District U3A’s next monthly meeting.
Her presentation includes looking at pattern weaving on any antique shawls from the audience.
Valerie Reilly is a former Keeper of Textiles at Paisley Museum. She is an author of several books about Paisley shawls: ‘Why Paisley?’, ‘Paisley Patterns’ and ‘The Paisley Shawl’.
Author and historian Valerie Reilly, said: “Paisley had two renowned textile industries. We had threads by Clarks and Coats plus 19th century woven shawls bearing the pattern that makes this town’s name world famous.
“I worked with these priceless items for 35 years and never tire of seeing more. I can date and give information on shawls from this period brought by the audience but any valuations I’ll leave to professional auctioneers!”
U3A chair, Kathleen O’Donnell said: “We are excited to be learning more about the history of the Paisley shawl and how it got its name. I’m sure Valerie Reilly has uncovered lots of interesting facts to share with us. We might have our own ‘Antiques Roadshow’ if members bring along their old Paisley patterned shawls to be examined.”
Anyone semi or fully retired is welcome to this free presentation at 2pm in the Salvation Army Hall, Mill Street, Paisley, with tea/coffee served from 1.30pm.
Details on membership, groups and activities at: https://u3asites.org.uk/paisley.