Ferguslie Thread Works c.1920

Introducing, the Ferguslie Thread Works, virtually reconstructed thanks to 3D modelling and visualisation technology.

J&P Coats founded these mills in 1826, and set up their headquarters here before going on to become the 3rd largest company in the world by the early 20th century. The site was vacated in 1984, and soon the mill buildings rapidly declined due to an inability to find alternative uses. All that remains on this part of the site is the small building with the clocktower, the former Personnel Office. Coats to this day have an office in the Mile End Mill on the other end of the town.

Using a combination of photogrammetry and 3D modelling, I created this digital reconstruction with the aid of hundreds of photographs and maps. The rendering was all done using the power of Twinmotion.

The hope of this project is to inspire, educate, and allow the many tens of thousands who walked through these gates, to reminisce. I'll be creating a virtual reality version soon which will be taken around schools and care homes later in the year.

This first flythrough covers the East side of the site which consisted of the magnificent grade A listed No.1 Spinning Mill (1887), The Half-Timers School (1887), No.1 Spinning Mill (1913), The Personnel Office (1887), The Experimental Mill (1887), The Southside Finishing Mill (1880), No.4 & No.5 Mills, the Turning Shop, the Joiners' shop, the Woodshed, and the Firestation.

All modelling and visualisation by Cameron Swanson. Supported by Richard Vassie at the Paisley People's Archive, Renfrewshire Council, and the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland.