Digital Update

Digital will be used as one of the main methods of interpretation for the stories on display in the refurbished museum. This is a significant change from before the Museum’s temporary closure, which only featured two projection screens showing looped archive films, two iPads and a VHS player in the foyer.

Digital displays will include films, animations, games, storybooks and touch screens with one of the highlights being the six-screen immersive digital show in the Introductory Gallery.

We have procured three of the main contractors in charge of digital display production and they are developing interactive displays, films and animations. Some of these story-led displays are being co-produced with local communities.

Media co-op has started co-producing content with the Syrian group. They are working in OneRen’s Heritage Centre based in the Abbey Mill Business Centre. This old mill holds a special place in Paisley’s heritage as it was central to J&P Coats becoming the world’s leading thread manufacturer which provided employment for generations of local people. Abbey Mill Business Centre is now hosting start-ups, charities, creative agencies and SMEs, paying homage to the town’s heritage and fostering the local economy.

The project team has been working with a local Syrian ESOL (English for Speakers of Other languages) group to co-produce and reinterpret Paisley Museum’s Syrian Glass collection. With the support of Media co-op, the group are using professional equipment to create a film that will feature in the gallery display. At the most recent workshop session, the group were developing their skills at filming glass using specialist lightboxes. As part of this film (alongside interviews and other content), they plan to film a typical Syrian breakfast. Traditionally, this meal features several glass containers similar to the 2,000-year-old artefacts held in our collection.

Paisley Museum has held the Syrian glass artefacts for decades without truly understanding their meaning. With the support of our Syrian Partners, we look forward to presenting them in all their glory and we are sure the co-produced display will become a visitor highlight once the Museum re-opens.