Making Her Mark: The women’s heritage project that overcame lockdown

In the latest of a series of articles that spotlight the crucial and inspiring work of Renfrewshire’s own Kairos Women+, volunteer Arti Gosai reflects on Making Her Mark, a historical project that provided purpose, context and much more during a difficult time. When I agreed to write this piece about the Making Her Mark... Read More

The Life and Times of Jane Arthur – Making National History part 2

The second article that looks back upon some of Renfrewshire’s pioneering figures that helped to mould our area into the prosperous and forward-thinking community that it is, artist and heritage consultant Lil Brookes guides us through the revolutionary and civic duty-led life of Jane Arthur as she becomes the first woman in Scotland to... Read More

The Life and Times of Jane Arthur – Not The Weaker Vessel part 1

In the first of a series of articles that looks back upon some of Renfrewshire’s pioneering figures that helped to mould our area into the prosperous and forward-thinking community that it is, artist and heritage consultant Lil Brookes guides us through the revolutionary and civic duty-led life of Jane Arthur. The bells of the... Read More

Paisley Cross 1868 by James Elder Christie

Social historian Lil Brookes reveals her thoughts on the painting, Paisley Cross 1868. This painting is one I’ve known and loved for many years and was prominently displayed until Paisley Museum & Art Galleries closed for refurbishment. I find it fascinating as it seeks I think to tell many stories about Paisley. The setting of... Read More

Lil Brookes – Renfrewshire-born artist and social historian

Lil Brookes, how did you get involved with community-based art projects? Through the whole Paisley 2021 thing. I did an original painting for the cover of one of the documents that went to London. Before that I’d done paintings mostly based on textiles. Because I’m an historian I like to do research beforehand and... Read More