WATCH: Virgin television showcases Laois museum of Mountmellick Lace
Ireland AM presenter Deric Ó hArtagáin visits Mountmellick craft museum
Mountmellick Museum in Laois got national Irish attention when it featured on Virgin Media Television's flagship morning show Ireland AM.
Presenter Deric Ó hArtagáin was given a flavour of the rich history of the indigenous Irish Quaker designed embroidery that is now practiced around the world with students coming to Ireland to learn it from as far as Australia. The museum includes a piece donated by the recently retired Senator David Norris' Laois aunt Elizabeth Constance Fitzpatrick.
Manager Ann Dowling showed him around, explaining how the local Presentation Sister Teresa Margaret single handedly revived the craft by teaching girls in school. Local ladies Margaret and Carmel chatted about why they love to stitch the pretty white on white naturalistic embroidery.
The craft rich Laois town is also home to Yarn Bombing Mountmellick who get a nice mention too.
Tutor Dolores Dempsey showed him the dresses she created with designers Caroline Mitchell and Heidi Higgins, on display in the modern, interactive museum, open to visitors.