Paisley Thread Mill Museum
Volunteer-run museum in a former mill that tells the story of thread making in Paisley from 1722 until the last mill closed in 1993.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum was founded by volunteers in 2003 to document the Clark and Coats thread mills that shaped Paisley. In the nineteenth century the town was Scotland's most important centre of cotton spinning and became known for fine, multicoloured sewing thread. Its weaving mills also made the teardrop-shaped Paisley pattern famous on shawls.
The museum opened to the public in 2009 and moved to its present home on the first floor of Mile End Mill, part of the Abbey Mill Business Centre, in 2016. It is run entirely by volunteers and relies on donations. Many items were given by the Coats company, which was founded in Paisley in 1802.
The displays follow thread making in the town from 1722 until the last mill closed in 1993. Models, thread-twisting machines, looms, photographs and advertising images are shown in themed display cases, and visitors can also browse digital archives of images and video.
Highlights
- Fifteen themed display cases on Paisley thread making
- Models and thread-twisting machines from the mills
- Looms, photographs and old advertising images
- Digital image and video archives
- Shop selling cotton thread and Paisley-pattern textiles
Permanent exhibition
- Thread making in Paisley – Themed displays on how thread was made in Paisley's mills between 1722 and 1993, with models, machines, photographs and digital archives.
- Founded
- 2003
- Operated by
- Paisley Thread Mill Museum (volunteer-run Scottish charity SC028745)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
There is no admission charge, but visitors are asked for a donation towards running costs.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Shop with cotton thread and Paisley-pattern textiles; items can also be ordered online.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Groups of all ages are welcome by arrangement; contact the museum by phone or email to book. |
|---|
