The Russell Institute opened in 1927 as a child welfare clinic. Miss Agnes Russell donated the building to her home town of Paisley as a memorial to her two brothers, Robert and Thomas Russell. The accommodation included x-ray, disinfection and laboratory facilities, maternity, orthopaedic and dental clinics, and clinics for the treatment of tuberculosis, and diseases of the ear, nose and throat. The main doorway is surmounted by a large figure of a mother with children, flanked by two shields: the Paisley Coat of Arms and the serpent and staff symbol of Aesculapius, god of medicine. Above the large window is a massive figure of a protective angel guarding the young in its arms, with the motto, 'A DEO SALUS', or 'Health comes from God'. Around the building at a lower level are child figures each indicating an aspect of the work of the Institute.