The 1913 Tapestry is launched today. Volunteer Mary Enright talks about working on this major project
The 1913 Tapestry was launched by President Higgins, in Liberty Hall on 18th Sept. 2013.
Panel for 1913 Tapestry made by Mary
This tapestry tells the story of many events which took place in 1913.
There are 29 pictures -panels- depicting those events. These are grouped together on nine white “pages”, so that the exhibition is presented as reading a large “comic”. A clear narrative links the story together.
It was commissioned by SIPTU and the NCAD.
The artists are Robert Ballagh and Kathy Henderson.
The sketches were based on original photos of the time. These were sent to a printer, and then transferred to panels of linen, 3ft by 2 ft. each, using a light box.
These panels were then distributed to 29 groups throughout the country such as Irish Patchwork Society, The Embroiders Guild, Blanchardstown ICA, People in Rehab, The Abbey Theatre, and art and craft groups as in East Wall, Clondalkin and Limerick.
The New Ross Tapestry and the Quaker Tapestry are beautiful examples of needlework.
This tapestry differs from these because it is a combination of applique- (applied fabric), crewel work – (embroidery), machine print, some cross stitch, and traditional Algerian embroidery, as used to enhance ceremonial costumes. There is no depiction of heraldry or castles here; rather it is all cloth caps, dockside labourers and urban turmoil.
The large panels took one year to complete, even with 5- 8 stitchers working on some of them tirelessly.
Groups worked on these pieces at their own locations, or in the “Head Quarters” of the project – unused CIE offices in Tara Street, beside the Dart station of the same name in Dublin.
4 panels were completed by individuals – yours truly amongst them.
It is fitting that this outstanding craft project was completed by the skilled and the unskilled, male and female.
It is a “must visit” by all those interested in needlecraft and/or history. Schools will no doubt be rushing to see this large example of fabric and fibre work, or using it as a medium to look and respond to history.
Each panel displays a variation of skills and artistry. The last panel is really interesting. It was completed by students from 4 schools including Basin Lane P.S. It consists of 67 vignettes which are referenced throughout the story, and these are blended into the yellow and red of the stream of light, flowing from the symbolic torch.
For the stitchers, it was a great honour to work alongside the artists plus we were generously assisted by Padraig Yeates, Michael Halpenny, Brendan Byrne, Angela Keane and a team of SIPTU volunteers.
It will be on display in Collins Barracks this autumn from October 9th until November 14th. It is a new National Treasure.