Upcycling the Future

Upcycling the future

Rebecca Johnstone uncovers a local revolution.

UPHUB WORKS. Fact. The first of 12 creative ‘hubs’ supported by Renfrewshire Council’s Business Development Fund, the brand new UPHUB retail, exhibition and workshop space will open for business at 34 High Street, Paisley in September 2019.

That’s only after the premises have been used for filming key scenes in Andrea Gibb’s adaptation of Emma Healey’s best-selling novel Elizabeth is Missing, featuring the phenomenal two-time Oscar winner Glenda Jackson as Maud.

Fêted from the start, this impressive new space will provide a platform for creatives far and wide to exhibit their wares, collaborate, network and benefit from subsidised workshop space; often one of the key barriers for creative start-ups. Makers will pay monthly to ‘rent’ shelf, wall or floor space with 100% of all sales being paid back to them, commission-free, making it easy to budget as they get started.

With an emphasis on upcycling, environmentally-friendly materials and zero-tolerance on single-use plastics (‘Paisley’s fantastic – there’s no plastic!’ – a new mantra-in-the-making), UPHUB WORKS is a grassroots endeavour, powered by two very resourceful and determined ladies – Angela Poultney and Anna Piasecka.

Building on the success of their two shops on Well Street in the town, their move to the High Street will see their business ambitions centrally placed to really make an impact in the local community.

Working closely with Skye Paints, the pair are up on the latest techniques such as sanding, polishing, distressing, stencilling and varnishing in order to meet deadlines and boast the propensity to work magic – literally – on chairs, stool, sideboards, chests, tables, fireplaces and much more. One of my favourite pieces was a chest that had been painted with a Harry Potter map. I wished I’d been able to find a home for it myself!

When asked about their mission for the business, here’s what they had to say: “We want to change people’s mindset. By pulling creatives and makers together, we want to raise awareness and convince people to take recycling seriously. Having a shop full of unique, upcycled products furniture, lighting, gifts and clothing — will help people understand that together we can make a big difference.”

What are you waiting for?

UPHUB WORKS, 34 High Street, Paisley, PA1 2DQ, info@uphubworks.com, 0141 887 1940. Twitter: @Dainty_Dora.