His work was exhibited in the city on at least two separate occasions: in 1895 his "Designs for Leaded Glass" was shown and, in 1897, a "Jewel Casket" (in silver and enamel).
One of the most notable assistants to work in Paterson's studio was John Stark Melville, who attended the Glasgow School of Art in the 1881-2 session[3] His occupation is listed in the student registers as "Glass Painter", and it is likely that he continued to improve his skills at the School of Art while working under Paterson.
It is likely that his work influenced other younger artists, who are now associated very much with the Glasgow art movement at the turn in the early years of the twentieth century.
A similar regard is given to the use of colour, shape and space in the textile designs of Anne MacBeth and her later contemporaries.
Today, his work can be seen in many churches including Saint Magnus' Cathedral Kirkwall and in specialist collections such as the Huntarian Museum, Glasgow University.