Billionaire donates 16 Scottish paintings in memory of late husband

An Indian billionaire has donated 16 paintings from some of Scotland’s most significant historical artists to Renfrewshire’s civic collection, in memory of her late husband.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw made the donation as a tribute to her husband John Shaw, who was an enthusiastic collector of Scottish art.

Mrs Mazumdar-Shaw is the founder and chairwoman of Biocon Ltd, which describes itself as India’s largest biopharmaceutical company.

Mr Shaw, who died in 2022 after a short illness, was born in Glasgow and forged an international career with thread company Coats Viyella.

Mrs Mazumdar-Shaw said: “John was a proud Scot and his career at Coats was foundational in shaping his life.”She added: “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.”

The collection includes paintings by portrait artist Henry Raeburn and James Paterson, one of the “Glasgow Boys”, who came to prominence at the end of the 1800s.

Most works are from the 1800s, though the collection spans from the 1700s to the late 20th Century.

John Shaw, art collector and businessman who died in 2022. PA Media

Paisley Museum is currently undergoing a multi-million-pound restoration and the artworks are intended to go on display in its “secret collection” at a storefront on the high street.

Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, Renfrewshire Council’s spokesperson on culture, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw for this generous donation.

“John Shaw was part of Paisley’s past industrial success, and now he will be very much embedded in its future cultural regeneration.

“We’re sure that our magnificent museum will be something of which he and his family can be truly proud and we’re delighted to be able to associate ourselves with the Mazumdar-Shaw family.”