Fiona Mc Kelvie explores Linen as we know it and its future possibilities in the World of Flax.

Textile and linen expert Fiona McKelvie will be discussing linen’s heritage in Northern Ireland, and its recent renaissance. She will look at the future possibilities of the fabric and how linen been reassessed more recently, and valued for its sustainability, durability and beauty.

ABOUT FIONA MCKELVIE

Textile specialist Fiona McKelvie has had a career in textiles for more than 30 years, much of that time with Liberty of London. Originally from Belfast, she has a particular interest in Irish Linen, collecting since the 1970s.  Fascinated by the history and heritage of the industry Fiona has spent many years researching the connections and legacy of Irish linen, flax and textiles.  In 2013, she launched her website McBurneyandBlack.com, specialising in the sale of antique and vintage Irish linens. She has contributed to the British Textile Biennial via the Cloth Cultures podcast with Amber Butchart and worked closely with R-Space Gallery in Lisburn on the heritage aspects of the first Northern Ireland Linen Biennale in 2018. She has recently returned from London to live permanently in Co Down.