Philanthropist boost to art legacy

Self-made billionaire Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw honours late husband John with priceless art gift to museum's Civic Collection

- 

A billionaire philanthropist has donated a significant collection of art for display in the new Paisley Museum.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has handed over some internationally significant paintings collected by her late husband, John Shaw, to the Renfrewshire Civic Collection.

They will be amongst the artworks on display in the refurnished Paisley Museum — principally funded by Sir Peter Coats — and act as a fitting legacy to man who loved art and credited much of his personal success to the Coats family business.

Glasgow-born, Mr Shaw forged an international career with the thread company, Coats Viyella and headed up the company's operation in India.

Kiran — who is India's first female self-made billionaire and founder of Biocon Limited — said the art collection represented a tribute to her husband's strong ties to Coats and his enduring connection to Paisley.

"John was a proud Scot and his career at Coats was foundational in shaping his life," she said.

"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."