Info
May – November 2021
Organised by: Carlow County Council Arts Office/Creative Ireland Programme
Inspired by the traditional craft of Borris Lace, “The Borris Lace by Post Project” was launched in May 2021. The aim of the project was to engage older people in a creative craft activity in a Covid safe way. Participants were engaged in a process of making and stitching with two local artists, Ally Nolan, a designer and craft maker from Bagenalstown and Jules Michael a community artist living near Borris. Jules and Ally designed a six-month project were each month, participants received a pack by post filled with everything they needed to learn the creative processes involved in making lace, sewing techniques and more. The beauty of this project was that the two artists tailored each pack to what the participants felt like making!
Speaking about the project artist Jules said “Each step of the project was posted to participants in a unique pack, with materials and instructions to complete in their own home. Ally added “Posting out packs was a way for us all to connect, while being Covid-safe in our own homes.” The “Borris Lace by Post” project was developed by Carlow Arts Service and Creative Ireland Carlow in collaboration with The Borris Lacemakers Group and Craft Hub EU. Carlow County Council Arts Officer and Creative Ireland Coordinator Sinead Dowling commented on the project “We are thrilled to have been able to support this project which not only provided a wonderful creative outlet during challenging times but also highlights the work that the Borris Lacemakers Group do to conserve our beautiful heritage craft”.
Borris Lace was introduced to South County Carlow 174 years ago by Lady Harriet Kavanagh of Borris House as a way for local people to make an income during famine times. The Borris Lacemakers Group was established in 2016 to redress the decline of the craft. “The Borris Lace by Post project” is mirroring the concept of supporting local communities through troubled times by addressing positive mental health, physical dexterity, promoting this craft and all the history, links and stories that go with it.
The Borris Lacemakers Group generously supported this project by helping to share the history of Borris Lace, the skills involved in making Lace and their passion for conserving this beautiful craft.
The Borris Lace by Post project worked to support positive ageing and mitigate the negative impacts of isolating by supporting our older community to stay connected and engaged through a creative activity, learn or re-learn skills, re-acquaint themselves with the long-established tradition of Lace making in the Borris community and celebrate an indigenous and highly skilled craft that supported many families in this community by providing an industry and income during very difficult times.
This project was developed by the Arts Service of Carlow County Council and Creative Ireland Carlow working with Jules Michael, Ally Nolan and the Borris Lacemakers Group. Borris Lace by Post has been funded and supported by Creative Ireland and Craft Hub EU making it a truly collaborative process in every sense.