Laois town to hold big reveal of 200th birthday stitched artwork
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The big reveal day of special Mountmellick Embroidery artwork is free to the public
An indigenous Laois craft will have its 200th birthday celebrated this November with a big reveal of a new artwork that has taken a whole year and a lot of people to create.
Mountmellick Embroidery is a unique white on white needleworks style featuring nature motifs, originated by Quaker Johanna Cartera and now practiced all over the world,
Pieces both modern and historic of the delicately understated artworks are on permanent display in Mountmellick Embroidery and Heritage Museum, which also holds classes for crafters who come from as far as Australia to learn its stitches.
To mark the 200th year, stitchers have been busy working on a special shared piece of large cloth.
This Saturday, November 7, the result will be unveiled at Mountmellick Community Arts Centre in the town centre, starting at 10:30 am.
Paddy Buggy is manager of the MDA where the Laois history museum is based.
"This commemorative piece celebrating the 200th anniversary of Mountmellick Embroidery has taken one year to complete.
“It is a celebration of the craft with people of all skill levels from beginners to master craft embroiderers sewing stitches into this unique piece which pays homage to the old 19th century designs along with the modern.
“The first stitch was made by Mary Ging, who is involved with Mountmellick Embroidery since the 1970s when the craft was revived by Sr McCarthy here in Mountmellick.
“We had people from all over Ireland, including some from the Isle of Man, joining our local community and schools in workshops run over a few months in the MDA.
“This project introduced a new generation of stitchers to Mountmellick Embroidery which is the real success story and so ensuring this craft endures and is enjoyed for years to come,” Mr Buggy said.
The whole community is welcomed to attend the unveiling.
“Members of the public, craft enthusiasts, and community members are invited to attend and celebrate this landmark cultural occasion with us at this event. Admission is free.
“We are looking forward to a large number of people joining us on the 7th November in the Mountmellick Art Centre for this historic event," Mr Buggy said.
The morning will feature guest speakers who will share the story behind the craft, highlighting its origins, its local 1970s revival, its spread to enthusiasts worldwide, and the community dedication that brought this anniversary piece to life.
Mountmellick Embroidery is officially recognized on Ireland’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The celebrations will take place in the Mountmellick Community Arts Centre on Parnell Street, R32 WP68, on Saturday, November 7, at 10:30am.