Project Paisley

During Summer 2017 Quiet Down There was commissioned by Camden Council to deliver Project Paisley – a series of paisley design workshops in Camden library and the creation of a paisley for Camden all led by artist Saj Fareed. Through many collected stories and a kaleidoscope of colour and pattern, ‘Camden Paisley’ came to represent the social fabric and vibrant communities that make up the Borough and was hung in Swiss Cottage Library for the summer.

You don’t have to look too far to spot the Paisley design. A much-loved decorative staple in wardrobes and homes all over the world, Paisley is a distinctive design of intricate patterns featuring droplet shaped motifs. With its Persian and Indian origins, the pattern has travelled far and wide through the ages. The design has influenced the fabric of our lives not only
through our clothes and our homes but our values and our contemporary cultural too. Crossing cultures and ages, Paisley is the only pattern that sits comfortably in your grandma’s wardrobe and at the same time makes a statement on the bandana of a punk rocker.

The pattern spans different religions and faiths and for many, the motif represents the seed of life, growth and eternity whilst for others it is a symbol of freedom, mysticism and counterculture. In the 1960s musical icons such as The Beatles began visiting India, sharing its music, culture and philosophy. Paisley became widely adopted by musicians and artists as
a symbol for rebellion and progress. It became a statement of non-conformity and has been linked with encouraging a spirit of multi-culturalism in the UK, representing solidarity across faiths and cultures.

At Harriett’s Press we have decided to reinvent this project and give it a Brighton twist. As part of our create programme Saj Fareed will be asking laundry customers to bring in paisley designs, create new ones and write and record stories inspired by the way Paisley takes you on a journey in different directions. We will also be asking people to ‘spot’ paisley in their
everyday lives on London Road and handing out prizes for the most creative uses. More details will be released in our September newsletter.