The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City has an exciting exhibition – ‘Woven Histories: Textiles and Modern Abstraction’. This show spans early-20th-century works by Sonia Delaunay, Hannah Hoch, and Sophie Taeuber-Arp, whose textile practices parallel their painting and drawing, mid-century works by Anni Albers and Ed Rossbach, and contemporary works by Rosemarie Trockel, Andrea Zittel, and Igshaan Adams.
“Highlighting issues of labour and identity that are intertwined with modern textile production, Woven Histories argues that weaving and textiles are the quintessential link between lived experience and art.”
If you cannot travel to New York, there are 80 images online from the exhibition.
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There’s an interesting trio of exhibitions in the Brabant region of the Netherlands devoted to the work of sculptor/installation artist Magdalena Abakanowicz.
The TextielMuseum in Tilburg, Het Noordbrabants Museum, and Provincial House of Noord-Brabant, ‘s-Hertogenbosch – are the three institutions.
“Abakanowicz was fascinated by the texture of textiles and the structure of natural fibres. She used this fascination as a basis for her weavings, but also to depict the human body. She travelled all over the world to set up her exhibitions herself and placed the sculptures in the middle of the space to create an ‘environment’, a world of her own. With this spatial concept, she was one of the forerunners of installation art.”
Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.
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The Liberties Weavers will showcase their work in the beautiful surroundings of Tailors’ Hall, as part of the ‘Culture Date with Dublin 8‘ program of events.
On Thursday, the 8th of May, at 19:00, there will be a talk by Cathy Scuffil, Historian in Residence for the Dublin South Central area, about the history of weaving in the Liberties.
If you’re passing through Cork Airport this month, don’t miss ‘As Without So Within’, a solo exhibition by textile artist Rebecca Powell. Known for her intricate stitched pieces, Powell draws inspiration from the wild and untamed landscapes of Ireland. She creates her work with hand-stitching, using silk, wool, and linen.
Powell is also the founder of the newly formed West Cork Collective in Ballinspittle, Co Cork. The group’s motto is, “Alone we can, however, together feels better”
Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.
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‘Weaving the Threads of Heritage’ is a contemporary art exhibition inspired by Fingal’s textile heritage and manufacturing legacy. Presented by Petra Skyvova, with the support of Creative Fingal, this exhibition showcases original artefacts and memorabilia from the once world-famous local textile and hosiery manufacturing factories alongside contemporary artworks.
The artworks created for this project draw inspiration from these objects, the area’s historical industry, and the lives of the workers. They capture the essence of a bygone era while infusing it with contemporary artistic vision. Each piece reflects the past’s textures, patterns, and stories, brought to life through the diverse artistic expressions.
Opening on Saturday 12th April 2025 at 2 PM, followed by a talk: Balbriggan Stockings on the Global Stage, by historian Dr Cora McDonagh
This exhibition runs until Sunday, 11th May, 2025.
Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.
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“Orla Kiely is one of the UK and Ireland’s most successful designers. Her stylised graphic patterns are innovative, influential and instantly recognisable. With a global audience in thrall to the rhythms and repeats of her designs, this exhibition explores the power of decoration to transform the way we feel.” – From the DCCI’s website.
Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.
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Have you had the chance to visit ‘Symbols of Ireland’, the stunning exhibition by Feltmakers Ireland? If not, now is your last opportunity! The exhibition, showcasing the incredible talent of 47 members, is in its final week at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre.
Featuring a diverse range of textile artistry, ‘Symbols of Ireland’ includes intricate needle and wet felting techniques displayed through wall art, sculptures, and wearable creations. Each piece tells a story, representing elements of Ireland’s rich culture and heritage through the unique medium of felt.
The exhibition is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM, with a slightly earlier closing time of 3 PM on Sunday, its final day.
Whether you’re an admirer of textile art, a craft enthusiast, or simply looking for an inspiring outing, don’t miss this chance to experience the beauty and creativity of Irish feltmaking.
Visit before it’s gone – and immerse yourself in the textures, colours, and symbolism that define this remarkable exhibition.
Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.
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Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.
Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.
Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.
Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.
Catalogue for Feltmakers Ireland’s exhibition, ‘Symbols of Ireland’.
On Sunday, the 2nd of March, First Lady Sabina Higgins launched Feltmakers Ireland’s exhibition, ‘Symbols of Ireland’. To accompany the show, we created an online catalogue to share with the Office of the President, the 47 artists involved, our members, and the public.
If you reshare any images, please credit the artist who created the artwork.
We would also appreciate it if, when sharing on Social Media, you could please tag the Guild:
Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.
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First Lady Sabina Higgins looking at Claire Merry’s ‘Hares in the Meadow’
Dublin, Ireland: Over 400 attendees gathered at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre for the opening of ‘Symbols of Ireland’, a stunning exhibition from Feltmakers Ireland.
First Lady Sabina Higgins, wife of President Michael D Higgins, officially opened the event with an inspiring address, marking a celebration of Irish craftsmanship and sustainability.
The exhibition featured the work of 47 guild members, showcasing many pieces crafted from Irish-raised wool fibre.
Mrs Higgins expressed her awe in her speech, saying, “I’m overwhelmed. I really haven’t seen a felt exhibition before… I have seen individual pieces in craft shops, but I haven’t ever seen anything like THIS! The innovation of the felt, how it is made from the start, is incredible.”
She went on to recommend transferring the exhibition to the National Gallery of Ireland, underscoring its cultural importance.
As Patron of the Wool in Schools Program, Mrs Higgins highlighted wool’s role as a sustainable material, noting its durability and self-cleaning properties. She also connected the exhibition’s themes to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, calling them “the 10 Commandments of our times.” To learn more about the Goals, visit here – https://sdgs.un.org/goals
‘Symbols of Ireland’ was open to the public at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre until the 30th of March, 2025. Visiting hours were 10 AM to 4 PM, Wednesday through Sunday, with free admission.
The Exhibition
Entering the Exhibition
Sabina Higgins and Loli Cox viewing Amanda Robinson Kelly’s artwork
Loli and our chairperson, Deirdre Carroll
The Committee. Left to right, Juliane Gorman, Deirdre Carroll, First Lady Sabina Higgins, Suzanne, Phelan, Lorna Cady (in front row), Annika Berglund in back row, Loli Cox, Adrienne Dempsey, and Elizabeth Redding. (Sam Fagan missing from photo)
Mrs Higgins talking with Lorna McCormack, head of Wool in Schools. Arwork by Heather Byrne
Mrs Higgins and Loli viewing Annika Berglund and Sandra Chase’s artwork
If you are unable to come to Dublin, we have an online version of the exhibition via our catalogue – Catalogue- Symbols of Ireland
The Poster
The exhibition ran from Wednesday, the 5th of March, to Sunday, the 30th of March 30th, 2025, at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre Gallery. Please note: the Centre is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
The artwork featured on the exhibition poster is ‘Brigid’s Legacy’ by Jane Fox.
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Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.
Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.
Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.
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