Late Renfrewshire artist’s work to be displayed at Accord Hospice exhibition

The Accord Hospice annual art exhibition returns to Paisley this week and will feature around 500 artworks from over 120 artists.

This year’s show will also include a special memorial dedicated to the work of the late Falconer Houston, an artist who supported the hospice for many years before his death in December 2023.

Sponsored by Paisley First, this year’s exhibition will take place between Friday, April 26 and Friday, May 10.

Falconer was born on April 26, 1934, in Paisley. Encouraged by his parents, he took Saturday drawing classes and, when he left school, he went to Glasgow School of Art.

After completing his Doctor of Arts, he did a Post Grad Diploma, and decided to teach art, a career he pursued until he finally retired from Castlehead High School, where he was principal art teacher.

He was married for 52 years and lost his wife to cancer in 2011 He was a lifelong member of Paisley Art Institute and exhibited there as well as gaining prizes for his work. He continued to paint well into his 80s and sold work on a regular basis.

Falconer’s son, Colin Houston, said: “Accord Hospice was always close to my dad’s heart, and he was always willing to support them in any way he could.”

The show will feature a selection of paintings by Falconer and there will be a screening of Falconer’s film: ‘The History of Paisley – Reeling through the Years’.

The exhibition features a variety of artworks from local, national, and international artists in a variety of mediums, including painting, pottery, and photographs.

The artworks will be available for purchase and all proceeds from the event will go towards Accord Hospice, a charity that provides palliative care and support for individuals in Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire.

Vanessa Robinson, events fundraiser at Accord Hospice, said: “We’ve been working closely with Falconer’s son Colin who has donated several of his father’s paintings. The film screening will add another dimension to the show, and we’re delighted to be able to offer this to visitors.

“We are immensely proud to be hosting our annual art exhibition again at The Art Department. This is a great way for us to showcase our community and the amazing creative talents we have right here in Paisley.

“We are looking forward to welcoming the many talented artists and art lovers who will be attending.”

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