Billionaire donates 16 paintings to Paisley Museum in memory of 'proud Scot' husband

A SIGNIFICANT collection of Scottish artworks has been donated to Renfrewshire's civic collection.

A total of 16 paintings have been gifted to the collection by billionaire philanthropist Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw in memory of her late husband John Shaw.

Shaw, who grew up in Glasgow and enjoyed a long career with thread manufacturer Coats Viyella, was a lifelong collector of Scottish art.

A portrait of John Shaw (Image: Supplied) The works, drawn from his personal collection, have been donated to Paisley Museum as a tribute to his connection with the town and its industrial heritage.

Dr Victoria Irvine, curator of art at OneRen, said: "We’re incredibly grateful for this wonderful donation.

"John Shaw certainly had a good eye and his collection represents many prestigious Scottish painters.

"This acquisition will help us tell the story of Scottish art in the years ahead."

The collection features pieces by some of Scotland’s most celebrated artists, including Henry Raeburn and James Paterson of the Glasgow Boys.

Mazumdar-Shaw, founder and chair of Biocon Limited and one of India’s leading philanthropists, said: "John was a proud Scot and his career at Coats was foundational in shaping his life.

"Wherever in the world he went, his collection of Scottish art allowed him to carry a part of his homeland with him.

"I hope these works will now bring that same sense of connection and inspiration to those who visit the Paisley Museum."

Most of the paintings date from the late 1800s, with the earliest from the late 1700s and the most recent from the late 20th century.

The works will be available for public viewings and housed in Paisley’s Secret Collection, the UK’s only high street-accessible museum store, until Paisley Museum reopens.

Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, chair of OneRen and Renfrewshire Council’s spokesperson on culture, said: "We are incredibly grateful to Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw for this generous donation.

"John Shaw was part of Paisley’s past industrial success, and now he will be very much embedded in its future cultural regeneration.

"We’re sure that our magnificent museum will be something of which he and his family can be truly proud and we’re delighted to be able to associate ourselves with the Mazumdar-Shaw family.”