Linen, Textiles and Design in Northern Ireland

An Online Seminar in Collaboration with PRONI (Public Records Office Northern Ireland)

As an accompaniment to Lynne Hocking’s exhibition Intergenerational Connections, and to mark the launch of a new Guide to PRONI Sources on the Ulster Textile Industry, PRONI is holding an online seminar on Linen, Textiles and Design in Northern Ireland.

Lynne Hocking will be speaking on the origins and meaning of the art-work on display. Dr Catherine O’Hara, Belfast School of Art (Ulster University) will discuss research into the history of the linen industry in the 20th century, focussing specially on the design features of making linen, a subject of study which has suffered undue neglect. Dr O’Hara will review resources drawn upon at PRONI that can help us better to understand the role and status of design in a fabled industry and setting in context the value of archival sources. Dr Desmond McCabe will conclude by launching the new Guide to PRONI Sources on the Ulster Textile Industry, which will hopefully enlarge the scope of future research in art, design and economic and social history through textiles of all kinds.

SPEAKERS

Lynne Hocking is a handweaver since 2016 and formerly an academic scientist in the field of human genetics, now weaving science. She explores scientific concepts through data physicalisation (giving physical form to information) and material exploration, developing handwoven textile objects that promote conversations about heritage, connection to place, and identity.

Dr Catherine O’Hara is a lecturer in History and Theory of Design – Fashion and Textiles, Belfast School of Art, specialising in the history of Ulster linen,

Dr Desmond McCabe is an author, historian, and archivist at the Public Records Office of Northern Ireland.