Limerick Lace Beginner Kit Redesigned: A Heritage Week Celebration

As part of Heritage Week 2024, Friends of Lace Limerick have announced their redesign of the Limerick Lace Beginner Kit. This redesigned kit will be launched on Thursday, August 22 as part of a special two-day pop-up exhibition at 16 Roches Street in Limerick City.

The exhibition, hosted by Lumen Street Theatre, will run from August 22 to 23 from 10am to 4pm. It will provide an immersive experience into the world of Limerick Lace, showcasing the intricate art of lacemaking. This event is a celebration of Limerick's rich cultural heritage and a chance to learn more about this fascinating craft.

The Origins of the Limerick Lace Beginner Kit

In 2018, Toni O’Malley, supported by Friends of Lace Limerick, designed and produced the original Limerick Lace Beginner Kit. The kit was sold by the Limerick Museum and used in all the classes taught by the group since then. The initial kit was a great success, but Friends of Lace Limerick recognized an opportunity for improvement based on their experience teaching and disseminating the craft.

A Redesigned Kit for a New Generation of Lacemakers

Based on the experience gained during the past years through teaching and dissemination, Friends of Lace Limerick have redesigned this kit. The redesigned kit includes basic step-by-step instructions, making it even easier for beginners to learn the craft of Limerick Lace. This new kit aims to be more user-friendly, accessible, and comprehensive, allowing aspiring lacemakers to embark on their creative journey with confidence.

Friends of Lace Limerick: Guardians of a Cultural Heritage

Friends of Lace Limerick is a volunteer group formed in Limerick in 2017. The group was initially formed with the goal of supporting the conservation of the lace artefacts in the collection of the Limerick Museum. The museum's lack of space meant that a lot of artefacts were stored in less-than-ideal conditions. Friends of Lace Limerick received training from Rachel Phelan, textile conservation specialist, and then proceeded to catalogue and repackage the lace items for proper storage. The whole process was documented through their website, showcasing their commitment to preserving this valuable cultural heritage.

A Community-Driven Initiative

Friends of Lace Limerick's dedication to preserving and promoting Limerick Lace is evident in their many initiatives. Their commitment to community engagement is further reflected in their recent exhibition in the window of the Bank of Ireland on O'Connell St. in Limerick. They are actively promoting the art of Limerick Lace and inspiring a new generation of lacemakers. This dedication to community engagement has helped to make Limerick Lace a vibrant and thriving art form in the city.

Funding and Support for the Redesign

The redesign of the beginner kit was made possible through a grant from the Intangible Cultural Heritage program, supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. This grant was awarded for Heritage Week 2024. The support from the Intangible Cultural Heritage program highlights the importance of Limerick Lace as a vital part of Ireland's cultural heritage. Friends of Lace Limerick invite the community to join in this celebration of a rich cultural tradition and to help spread the word about the event.

Beyond the Beginner Kit: Limerick Lace's Continued Legacy

The redesign of the Limerick Lace Beginner Kit is a testament to the ongoing legacy of this craft. Friends of Lace Limerick are not only preserving the past but also inspiring the future of Limerick Lace. Their work ensures that this intricate art form continues to flourish and inspire generations to come. The commitment of Friends of Lace Limerick to the preservation and promotion of Limerick Lace is a remarkable example of how passion and dedication can help to keep a cultural tradition alive and thriving.