Journal to a Muse

Illustration Friday: "Paisley"
Originally uploaded by Sultry

The leaf/tadpole repeated pattern we know as Paisley originated in Indo-European cultures BCE. During Roman times the pattern was brought to the British Isles and incorporated into Celtic art motifs. In the mid 1800's the pattern, which had evolved through continued innovation in India, was brought to the mills of Paisley, Scotland. These mills initially made only thread and the scarves, shawls and patterns were made in cottages on looms and sold for high prices. Mechanized Jacquard looms were soon developed, the patterns Anglicized and Paisley townsmen were there to expand the business. Edinburgh, Newburgh and Paisley were at the acme of Paisley production for 70 years.

Based on a photograph of Ferguslie Thread Mills in Paisley Scotland, which has now been coverted to apartments/flats. Photo Copyrightby Robert Sweeney and licensed for reuse under a creative commons license.

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