One of Paisley’s most iconic buildings is to be brought back to life as it becomes home to the Art Department.
The former Argos building on Causeyside Street will once again become a jewel in Paisley’s crown as the arts organisation seeks to return it to its former glory.
The art-deco building, constructed in 1931, is currently being stripped back as part of an ambitious plan to create a gallery in the heart of the town and a creative space for people of all abilities and talents.
The team behind the renowned Big Art Show will move into the building in April ahead of the Artists of Accord Exhibition, while work to the main gallery space is expected to be concluded by July.
Much of the work – which has to date revealed a decorative teak ceiling at the main entrance and an almost intact Darney sandstone ceiling with high pilaster columns on the second-floor gallery – is being supported by Renfrewshire Council’s sustainable communities fund.
The new space marks an exciting new chapter for the Art Department which is currently operating from the Paisley Centre.
Steven Thomson, creative director of The Art Department, said: “The Paisley Centre is closing soon for redevelopment, and we wanted to find a new, permanent home.
“When we moved into Allders, we were captivated by this beautiful building across the road and when we saw it was up for lease, we decided to investigate.
“We are enormously grateful to the owner and to Renfrewshire Council for assisting us with this ambitious new plan.
“We’re delighted to be launching our spring workshop programme, and we’re thrilled to be hosting Accord’s annual art exhibition and the Big Art Show for a fourth year.”
The support of Renfrewshire Council has been invaluable in getting the initiative off the ground.
The local authority has handed over £99,000 to The Art Department to support the restoration as the building which sits within the townscape heritage conservation area.
The property, at 9-11 Causeyside Street, was built in 1931 by MacArthur Bros, an outfitters and tailors.
The store was built in an art deco style from Northumberland Darney sandstone, with marble and granite embellishments.
The premises comprises of three floors and a roof terrace. The refurbishment will see an office, shop and creative learning space created on the ground floor, while the open-plan first floor, with its expansive glass windows, will form the gallery space. On the top floor, there will be a suite of artists’ studios.
The first phase of work focuses on the ground floor and will be complete by April; work on the second floor will continue until July when phase 2 will be completed and the gallery space prepared for the Big Art Show.
Congratulating the team on their new home, Louisa Mahon, the outgoing head of marketing and communications at Renfrewshire Council, said: “Steven and the team at The Art Department continually impress with their vision and commitment to delivering cultural events, visual art space, and cultural activity that is accessible to everyone and on their high street. The Art Department has been a brilliant addition to Paisley and to see them find a permanent home, from which to continue to deliver their vision, is wonderful news.
“The council is looking forward to continuing to work with and support the team.”
The Art Department’s popular free workshop programme, for adults and young people, will commence in February and features a variety of classes on mixed media; collage and print making; glass-art; drawing; painting and sewing.
Workshops will be led by previous workshop leads – Ann Vance, Eòghann MacColl, Iona Kewney, Lilja Husmo, Lucy Dorrian and Marion Gardyne.
A new addition to next year’s group of artists is Jane McInally – a Paisley-born artist who has a studio at Wasp Studios in Glasgow. Jane will lead classes in painting and mixed media.
To book a place at a workshop, log on to the art-department.org
Don’t miss the latest Renfrewshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here