Paisley Photographs

Welcome to Paisley Photographs

Welcome to Paisley Photographs.

I first started photographing parts of Paisley in the late 1980s, and my aim today remains exactly the same as it was when I first picked up a camera – to build a lasting collection of photographs that Buddies all over the world can look back on and reminisce about for generations to come.

We all enjoy looking back at old photographs, recognising familiar streets, shops, buildings and faces from years gone by. If nobody records today’s Paisley, there will be nothing for future generations to look back on tomorrow. That simple belief has been the driving force behind Paisley Photographs from the very beginning.

Over the years, the project has grown into one of the largest community history archives in Renfrewshire, preserving not only the changing face of Paisley but also the stories, events and memories that have shaped our town. Every photograph helps document another small piece of local history before it disappears forever.

One principle has always remained at the heart of Paisley Photographs: it has never sought or applied for funding to cover its running costs or photography equipment. I have always believed that when you enjoy something as a hobby and have a genuine passion for it, it should be done for the love of preserving history rather than for financial gain.

That said, I am incredibly grateful to the many people who have supported the project over the years by donating old photographs, postcards, cameras, photographic equipment and other items they have discovered while clearing out lofts, cupboards and family collections. Every donation helps preserve another piece of Paisley’s history and continues to grow this remarkable archive.

Alongside photographing the town, I have spent many years collecting historic Paisley memorabilia, documents and photographs relating to the area’s rich past. I am also proud to own what is believed to be the world’s largest collection of Paisley postcards. This unique collection continues to grow, and it is my ambition to make as much of it as possible available online so that everyone, wherever they are in the world, can enjoy and explore Paisley’s fascinating history.

Whether you’re researching your family history, searching for a familiar face or place, or simply taking a trip down memory lane, I hope you enjoy exploring the archive.

Thank you for visiting Paisley Photographs and for helping to keep the history of Paisley alive for future generations.