REACTing to our Linen Legacy

November 13

12-1:30pm Europa Hotel – Paris Room

RE[connect] with our Linen Legacy. While the glory days of “Linenopolis” may be behind us, the echoes of this vibrant industry remain woven into the fabric of the region. We’ll showcase selected footage from the Digital Film Archive, offering a window into the past, and respond to it with dynamic, visual content that highlights the enduring relevance of linen in contemporary Northern Ireland.

In partnership with the Linen Biennale NI and Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive (DFA), Join us for a lunchtime talk and screening that offers a captivating overview of the history of linen and explores how its legacy continues to shape Northern Ireland’s architecture, economy, and identity today.
This event will shine a light on how every thread of linen tells a story—of innovation, resilience, and the skilled craftsmanship that defined Northern Ireland’s past and continues to shape its future.

Speaker info

Brónagh McAtasney is a Public Historian and Access & Outreach Officer for the Digital Film Archive. Her focuses are women’s stories and the history of linen. Brónagh’s Father John McAtasney, was Ireland’s last damask linen hand-weaver. Brónagh has worked on a number of projects to preserve his legacy and tell the stories of the weavers of Ulster.

Meadhbh McIlgorm is a multi-disciplinary artist-maker of things and experiences. She is a studio holder at QSS Artist Studios, Belfast and was the Programme Manager for Linen Biennale 2023.  Across her expanded studio practice she is particularly passionate about materials, process and the skills associated with production, repair and reuse.

Robert Martin is co-director of R-Space Gallery, Lisburn. Robert is a strategic thinker working across the public sector and creative industries with communication and networking skills with forethought, constructive action, attention to detail and perceptive creative delivery.  After moving to Northern Ireland to work with his co-director Anthea McWilliams, they established R-Space Gallery in 2011 presenting an annual exhibition programme of contemporary visual art and craft as well as initiating heritage projects and public engagement programmes.