The talk will focus on the ongoing Laces of Ireland project. The project was initiated in 2023 by two groups of lacemakers - Friends of Lace Limerick, based in Limerick, Ireland and the South Armagh Lace Collective based in county Armagh, Northern Ireland. Limerick lace and Carrickmacross lace have a series of similarities – they are both embroidery on net, they both originate in the 1820s and nowadays they are both celebrated as part of Ireland’s intangible cultural heritage.
The long term goal is to create and promote a lace trail through the majority of historical lacemaking centres on the island of Ireland.
International experience shows that people interested in lace have a much broader interest in lace history and lace techniques than the particular type of lace they are making. The availability of such a lace trail would increase tourism potential and would encourage the organisation of lace tours throughout the island of Ireland.
For the duration of the project (2023-2025), we are focusing on creating online resources, organising exhibitions, presentations, lacemaking demonstrations and classes.
The Laces of Ireland digital platform is being further developed to include a trail map. The all-Ireland lace trail will include the permanent collections and lacemaking community groups and artists open to welcome visitors. A joint calendar of events will allow coordinating events and visits.
IOLI members will receive an email invitation to register for this zoom lecture.
