Paisley Abbey, Renfrewshire
Address
Paisley Abbey, 575 Cotton St, Paisley PA1 1JGOverview
Paisley Abbey was founded as a Cluniac Priory in the 12th century and has claims to be the ‘cradle of the Royal House of Stewart’, from which the Queen is descended.
Work to restore and bring the building to its current condition began in the late 19th century, including the fitting of new stained glass windows, the old medieval glass having long since disappeared. The result is a distinguished and very interesting collection. There are examples from English and German studios, but the highlight is the roll call of great Scottish studios. Particularly notable examples include D. Cottier & Co.’s James Coats Memorial window (1874), Stephen Adam’s daring window, ‘Sin and Redemption’ (1889), Douglas Strachan’s dramatic east window (1931), and John Duncan’s Children’s window (1937).
Highlight
The Shaw Window on the south wall of the choirArtist, maker and date
John K Clark, 1988Reason for highlighting
A wonderful modern addition to the Abbey’s collection, from one of Scotland’s leading artists. The theme of Light and Music is carried off with great drama and passion.
Artist/maker notes
John K Clark (b.1957) studied stained glass at the Glasgow School of Art, where he would also subsequently teach. He has been a professional artist since 1984, working in a variety of materials and methods, living in both Scotland and Germany. He is one of the leading stained glass artists in Europe, with windows all over the world.
Source: John K Clark website
Comments by
Iain Galbraith and Peter Hildebrand