Traditional crafts revived in Derry's 'Walled City Alive' campaign
Renowned local designers lead interactive heritage workshops at The Craft Village and Shipquay Street this June.
This month local heritage is front and centre in a diverse programme of events designed to showcase some of Derry’s most popular cultural and heritage venues.
The revival of local crafts is just one of the highlights, with a series of special demonstrations and hands-on workshops featured in the wider ‘Walled City Alive’ programme - a vibrant, month-long celebration of the city’s rich history and culture.
The craft workshop series will offer participants a unique opportunity to explore the important role of traditional Irish raw materials, such as wood, flora, fauna, linen and wood, in everyday life. It will reveal how these natural materials were once used to create household utensils, clothing and even health remedies. A series of talks, demonstrations and practical workshops, will provide insight into how these locally sourced resources were transformed into functional and aesthetically pleasing items.
With growing awareness around sustainability and environmental protection, these traditional materials are more relevant today than ever. However, many of the skills associated with using them have faded over time. These workshops aim to reignite interest in traditional craft techniques while highlighting their modern-day value in promoting eco-friendly living.
Encouraging people to check out the programme, Tourism Manager with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Jennifer O’Donnell, said: “The ‘Walled City Alive’ programme is all about bringing our heritage to life in ways that are accessible and meaningful for everyone.
“The craft workshops are a wonderful example of how traditional skills can connect us to our past while also encouraging more sustainable practices in the future. We are delighted to support events that encourage people to discover, experience and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of our city in such a hands-on way.”
The programme, which is geared towards adult audiences, will take place at two locations in the city. At Number 19 Craft & Design, The Craft Village, enjoy special workshops on June 10 from 11am-1pm with renowned knitwear designer Edel MacBride. Edel will share Aran motifs and stitches together with interesting stories of local knitting and wool. This demonstration will be of interest to knitters, textile artists, creatives, folklore and history lovers.
On Wednesday, June 17 Number 19 Craft Village will host furniture designer and maker James Burton from Corrick Woodworking. He will be wood turning some timber bottle stoppers. The demonstration will showcase the ancient craft of wood turning, and James will be using some native Irish hardwoods.
The Fashion and Textile Design Centre on Shipquay Street will also host a special workshop led by linen specialist Bridie Mullin on June 24.
Bridie Mullin is a clothing designer working in Irish linen. The workshop will provide a brief history of the linen industry, sample garments will be on display, and the group will have the opportunity to make a linen tote bag.
The event will pay homage to the rich history of linen as a staple fabric in Ireland. If you’d like to secure a place in this workshop, please contact Bridie directly at [email protected] Due to limited capacity, advance booking is recommended for these dates.
The Walled City Alive programme is supported by The Honourable The Irish Society, and events throughout the month include live music, dance, storytelling, guided tours and creative workshops designed to bring the story of Derry’s historic Walled City to life. The programme encourages people of all ages to engage with the city’s unique heritage in interactive and creative ways, while exploring different areas and uncovering hidden heritage gems.
For more information go to www.visitderry.com