Mountmellick Embroidery Museum
Mountmellick Embroidery is unique as it is the only form of embroidery from the Nineteenth Century which can claim to be entirely Irish in origin and design. Its importance in social history is immense as can be evidenced in the Museum.
Designs were originally inspired by plants growing locally including: blackberries, dog rose, ivy, wild clematis, viola and fuchsia. Cultivated plants such as passion flower, cyclamen, tiger lily, snowdrops and daffodils also appear frequently in the designs. One of the features of Mountmellick Embroidery is its serviceability.
The work was carried out on white satin jean using white cotton thread and was used to decorate household products such as nightdress cases, dressing-table mats, sachets, comb and brush bags, quilts, pillow shams and pin cushions.
Designs were originally inspired by plants growing locally including: blackberries, dog rose, ivy, wild clematis, viola and fuchsia. Cultivated plants such as passion flower, cyclamen, tiger lily, snowdrops and daffodils also appear frequently in the designs. One of the features of Mountmellick is, in fact its serviceability.
It is meant to be used, and repeated washing has given older examples of the work a particular softness and ‘patina’.
Mountmellick Museum Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm (closed for lunch 1 – 2 pm)
For weekend bookings or Group Tours Please contact a member of staff.
Phone: +353 (0)57 8624525
Email: themuse@mdaltd.ie
Contact
Address
Patrick Street,
Mountmellick,
County Laois,
Ireland,
R32 KN25
Phone
+353 57 869 7557
