The art collection held by OneRen comprises over 3000 objects, including paintings, works on paper, sculpture, photographs, and digital media. The collection reflects the tastes of the hugely wealthy mercantile class from Paisley’s textile industries, with Archibald Coats of thread manufacturers J&P Coats gifting an important Glasgow Boy painting by William Kennedy (1859-1918) in 1888, and his father Sir Peter Coats bequeathing part of his art collection in the 1890s.
The museum holds large and significant collections by Paisley sculptor John Henning (1771-1851) and Paisley artist James Elder Christie (1847-1914). In the 21st century, curatorial focus on active collecting has ensured that significant Scottish modern and contemporary artists are represented, including John Byrne, Anya Gallaccio, ‘New Glasgow Boy’ Steven Campbell (1953-2007) and Claire Barclay.
The collection also houses a significant group of British studio pottery which was acquired from the 1950s, as well as factory ceramics from Wedgwood, Doulton, Minton, Moorcroft, Wemyss and Sevres. From the 19th century, Paisley Museum has been entrusted with the care of the Paisley Art Institute collection, comprising a significant group of largely 19th-century Scottish and continental oils, works on paper and sculptures.
For more information on our Arts collection, you can contact either of our Art Curators:
Andrea Kusel - Andrea specialises in Scottish 20th century and contemporary art. She is a member of Curatorial Leadership in Collections (CLiC).
Dr Victoria Irvine - Victoria specialises in 19th century Scottish painting, with a special interest in women’s histories. She is a member of the Scottish Women and the Arts Network (SWARN).
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