The Teardrop Explodes - A Paisley Pattern Exhibition

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The Teardrop Explodes, an exciting new exhibition for 2024 at The Art Department, explores all things Paisley Pattern!

About The Teardrop Explodes - A Paisley Pattern Exhibition

The Paisley Pattern is a centuries old pattern that has been utilised worldwide. It is one of the most highly recognisable motifs and is still sought after in everyday wear and high-end fashion.

In this new project The Teardrop Explodes the Art Department has worked with artists Lil Brookes, Marion Gardyne, Hector Dyer and Lilja Husmo, alongside community partners, artists, printmakers, photographers, weavers, textile artists, a dress historian, and local heritage collections to see The Art Department transformed, covered literally head to toe in Paisley.

Steven Thomson, Creative Director, The Art Department, commented: “This exhibition represents the contributions of the community of Paisley’s artists, workshop participants, makers, community groups and local charities. From the wonderful variety of Paisley Pattern on show, we’re especially delighted to see contributions from: Disability Resource Centre; Lucy McConnell (textile historian); Paisley Museum; Paisley Thread Mill Museum; Pat Moriarty (textile designer); Project Ability; Sma’ Shot Cottages; Sewing2gether All Nations; Renfrewshire Older Adults Day Care; TCHARs2 films from Renfrewshire Council. This show proves the lasting impact of the pattern, the love for its colour, its vibrancy, and its ongoing relevance to the working lives of people in our textile town. There’s everything from glass, ceramics, sculptures, paintings, prints, textiles, and fine art. Keep your eye on Paisley!”

Teardrop Explodes is an exciting collaborative fusion of public, private and third sector partners to create an enthusiastic expression of “love” for all things Paisley pattern! This collaborative fusion of partners explores the common bonds of the Paisley pattern and “teardrop” across cultures, between generations, with an emphasis on promoting the use of creative expressions of the pattern to be inclusive, welcoming diversity whilst promoting community cohesion, positive mental wellbeing and highlighting their common shared experiences as citizens of Paisley 2024.

From a period of creative workshops in conjunction with a programme of community outreach workshops, a body of work has been created telling the story of the Pattern, re-creating, and making new versions in multiple formats. It tells the extraordinary story of this timeless fashion icon, shining a spotlight on the women and places that made it. Exploring its roots, its meaning, and its ongoing relevance as a collective emblem.

The “Teardrop Explodes” exhibition will have a booth style layout featuring installations, artworks, displays, memorabilia, costumes, historical context, and textiles.

Featuring work by Lil Brookes, Marion Gardyne, Hector Dyer, Lilja Husmo & 100 Workshop Participants. With contributions from:

• Disability Resource Centre
• Lucy McConnell (textile historian)
• Paisley Museum
• Paisley Thread Mill Museum
• Pat Moriarty (textile designer)
• Project Ability
• Sma’ Shot Cottages
• Sewing2gether All Nations
• Renfrewshire Older Adults Day Care
• TCHARs2 films from Renfrewshire Council
• A range of new digital Paisley artworks called “Parallel Paisley” made with artificial intelligence.
• Artworks from 100 artists submissions.

Additional Events – Free to attend. Drop in, no booking necessary:
Saturday 11 May 2024 — 11am to 3pm — Paisley Museum Pop-Up
Saturday 18 May 2024 — 1pm to 3pm — Renfrewshire Tapestry Pop Up
Saturday 25 May 2024 — 11am to 3pm — Hand-Loom Weaving Workshop with Marion Gardyne
Saturday 1 June 2024 — 1pm to 2pm — Clarke Wallace / Paisley Thread Mill Museum
Saturday 8 June 2024 — 11am to 3pm — Hand-Loom Weaving Workshop with Marion Gardyne
Saturday 15 June 2024 — 11am to 3pm Paisley Museum Pop-Up
Saturday 22 June 2024 — 1pm to 3pm — Ceramic Paisley Mosaic Workshop with Angela Pieraccini (suitable all ages)

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All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

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Other Events at The Art Department

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Big Art Show

30th August 2025 - 15th November 2025

The Art Department, Paisley

One of Scotland's largest open entry exhibitions, Paisley's annual Big Art Show, returns for a fourth edition from Saturday 30th August - Saturday 15th November!