On behalf of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum will mark Ireland’s contribution to the Great War by collaborating in a special project with In Flanders Fields Museum, Ypres, Belgium. The museum was specially invited to donate a chair from its collection to sit alongside chairs from 120 other […]
An Empty Chair to Symbolise Lost Lives in the Great War Read More »
The Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum presents its fifth annual autumn programme, a diverse range of events marking a number of significant anniversaries. These include the end of the Great War and the granting of ‘votes for women’ in 1918, through to the bicentenary of the birth of Sir Richard Wallace (1818-90), the subject
Free 2018 Autumn Events Programme Read More »
The ‘Sir Richard Wallace Exhibition: the life and legacy of a philanthropist, art collector and landlord’, was officially opened by Alderman Paul Porter, Chairman of the Council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee at the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum. The free exhibition marks the bicentenary of the birth of Lisburn’s landlord Sir Richard Wallace
Sir Richard Wallace’s Lisburn legacy is explored in a major new exhibition Read More »
Sir Richard Wallace Bicentenary FAMILY EVENT Wallace PARK, Lisburn 23 June 2018 • 11AM-2PM Seymour Marquee A cornucopia of crafts, art and artistry! An opportunity to view the work of handcrafters, browse a little and perhaps purchase a unique hand-crafted gift. A chance to support local arts and crafts. Conway Marquee Free drop-in activities
The Sir Richard Wallace Bicentenary Family Event – Detailed Programme Read More »
Episode of Britain’s Most Historic Town – Victorian Belfast 12th May – Channel 4 On Saturday 12 May 2018 Professor Alice Robert’s hugely successful series ‘Britain’s Most Historic Town’ features the museum in a special episode about the Irish linen industry. One of our expert guides Philip tour Alice on a tour of the
Episode of Britain’s Most Historic Town – Victorian Belfast 12th May – Channel 4 Read More »
The Sir Richard Wallace Exhibition: the life and legacy of a philanthropist, art collector and landlord Celebrating the bicentenary of the birth of Sir Richard Wallace (1818-90), the Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum’s major new exhibition (opening 21 May 2018) tells the story of the famed philanthropist, art collector and landlord, and his lasting
The museum is closed Easter Monday 2nd April 2018.
Easter Opening Hours – 2018 Read More »
Museum projects featured in the CRC’s new Decades of Centenaries Toolkit Three of the museum’s projects are featured in the Community Relation Council’s (CRC) 2017 Updated Decade of Anniversaries Toolkit. This toolkit is a 2017 update of the Decade of Anniversaries Toolkit first published in 2014. Since then, the practice around acknowledging Decade of Centenaries
Museum projects featured in the CRC’s new Decades of Centenaries Toolkit Read More »
Decade of Centenaries Community Engagement and Tonagh Ladies’ Book Launch Four years ago the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum was offered the opportunity for some community engagement funding from the Northern Ireland Museums Council. Since then, the museum has welcomed new audiences to its exhibitions, talks and special events, especially those linked to the
Decade of Centenaries Community Engagement and Tonagh Ladies’ Book Launch Read More »
The Sir Richard Wallace Exhibition – May 2018 Born in London in 1818, Sir Richard Wallace (d.1890) was the illegitimate son of the 4th Marquees of Hertford, Richard Seymour-Conway (1800-1870), and Agnes Jackson (nee Wallace). Brought up by his grandmother, known as Mie Mie, in Paris, Richard Jackson (as he was known until 1842) served
The Sir Richard Wallace Exhibition – May 2018 Read More »
From the Collection: a view of the River Lagan, Joseph W Carey (1859-1937), ‘October, 1907’ Purchased 2017. Joseph William Carey lived for some time at Kilwarlin, near Hillsborough, where his father was minister of the Moravian Church (see our Reformation exhibition for more information on Moravians). A talented illustrator, Carey worked for Marcus Ward and
From the Collections: Flax Medal, Dunbar McMaster, 1903 Hugh Dunbar, W.A. Stewart and John Johnston began manufacturing at the new spinning mill on Mill Street, Gilford, in 1836. Within two years the firm employed over 200 workers. Later, a large five-storey complex was added to the works, and by the 1840s the firm began trading
From the Collections: Flax Medal, Dunbar McMaster, 1903 Read More »
From the Collection: Sister Margaret Johnston, Ballinderry, Memorial Plaque Although this might seem a little macabre, this Memorial Plaque commemorates Sister Margaret Johnston who dedicated her life to helping others. Having trained at the Royal Infirmary in Sheffield, Ballinderry-born Margaret Johnston was employed as a district nurse before undertaking church missionary work in Turkey. At
From the Collection: Sister Margaret Johnston, Ballinderry, Memorial Plaque Read More »
From the Collection: A rare gold watch presented to Capt. Nickerson by the Lisburn Relief Committee 1863 Watch presented to Capt. Nickerson by the Lisburn Relief Committee 1863 Purchased USA, 2017 As a ‘token of their respect and esteem’ the Lisburn Relief Committee presented this gold watch and chain to Captain Moses Nickerson (1812-71), of
From the Collection: A rare gold watch presented by the Lisburn Relief Committee 1863 Read More »
From the Collection: Back Lane, Lisburn by Dennis Osborne Back Lane, Lisburn by Dennis Osborne. This pen and watercolour on cream card sketch is signed by the artist (1963), Dennis Osborne, and shows Back Lane just before demolition and widening. The Road became Laganbank Road. It was a narrow laneway between the gasometers and the
From the Collection: Back Lane, Lisburn by Dennis Osborne Read More »
From the Collection: ‘Martin Luther, Heretic’, Etching, c.1650 ‘Martin Luther, Heretic’ Etching c.1650 after Wenceslaus Hollar (1607-77) Purchased 2017. This Spanish etching of Luther shows the devil whispering in his ear. He had been condemned as a heretic – holding views contrary to church teaching – by the Pope in 1521, and ex-communicated. The Reformation
From the Collection: ‘Martin Luther, Heretic’, Etching, c.1650 Read More »
Christmas 2017 Holiday Opening Hours We are closed in the 25/12/2017, 26/12/2017 and the 01/01/2017. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Christmas 2017 Holiday Opening Hours Read More »
‘Nurses from WW1’ a new publication featuring the museum’s collections ‘Nurses from WW1’ a new publication featuring the museum’s collections has been published by the Royal College of Nursing, Northern Ireland. The book features the story of Nurse Margaret (Hessie) Johnston from Ballinderry, Lisburn. She joined the Queen Alexandra Imperial Military Nursing Service (R) and
‘Nurses from WW1’ a new publication featuring the museum’s collections Read More »
Lisburn Suffragette story featured in a new NIMC book about ‘protest’ in Ulster A shard of glass from the window of Lisburn Cathedral, blown up by suffragettes in August 1st 1914 features in a new book from the Northern Ireland Museums Council (NIMC). In the book, titled ‘’Protest: A Collection from Local Museums in Northern
Lisburn Suffragette story featured in a new NIMC book about ‘protest’ in Ulster Read More »
New Reformation Exhibition Opens at the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum The new exhibition entitled ‘Reformation 500: the Reformation in Europe, and its Local Legacy’ was officially opened at the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum by Alderman James Tinsley, Chairman of the Council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee. This free exhibition marks the
New Reformation Exhibition Opens at the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum Read More »
Sincere apologies to all our visitors, but due to tropical storm Ophelia the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum is closed today from 1pm. We will re-open at 9.30am on Tuesday 17th October 2017.
Tropical Storm Ophelia Update: museum closure Read More »
The Follies Trust Lecture in Lisburn Museum Thursday 26th October 2017 7.30pm ‘In praise of Follies’ An appreciation of Irish Follies By Dr Edward McParland Fellow and Pro-Chancellor of Trinity College Dublin Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Ireland’s leading architectural historian, noted author and brilliant lecturer in an event organised by the Follies Trust
Free Autumn Talks Programme 2017 Including: Michael Jackson, Philip Orr, Dr Henry Jeffries, Prof Johnston McMaster, Rev Dr Martyn Cowan and Piet Chielens. Autumn Talks Programme 2017: Tuesday 3 October – Saturday 28 October The Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum presents its fourth series of autumn talks, which is designed to complement our exhibition
Free Autumn Talks Programme 2017 Read More »
Lisburn Historical Society Talks Programme 2017/2018 Lisburn Historical Society was founded in 1967 for charitable purposes, in particular to promote the advancement of education by the study of local history in the Lisburn area. The Society is a voluntary organisation, and meetings are held in Lisburn Museum at 19.30 on the first Wednesday of each
Lisburn Historical Society Talks Programme 2017/2018 Read More »
Peace IV Progamme Launch 14th September 2017 – Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council LISBURN & CASTLEREAGH COMMUNITIES INVITED TO BENEFIT FROM £2.3 MILLION EUROPEAN PEACE IV FUNDING. The Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Peace IV Partnership is delighted to invite communities, groups and individuals from the Lisburn Castlereagh area to register for the launch event
Peace IV Progamme Launch 14th September 2017 – Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Read More »
Professor Alice Roberts’ visit to the museum, August 2017 On Friday 11th August 2017 the museum had the pleasure of hosting Professor Alice Roberts and her film crew. Working on a programme relating to Victorian industry, Professor Roberts tried her hand at spinning and weaving in our Flax to Fabric exhibition. Below, Alice is pictured
Professor Alice Roberts’ visit to the museum, August 2017 Read More »
Lisburn and the First World War, the Complete Story – Exhibition ‘Lisburn and the First World War, the Complete Story’ is a major exhibition in four parts, examining Lisburn and district from the outbreak of the Home Rule Crisis in 1912, through WWI (1914-18), to the post-war period, when Northern Ireland emerged as a new
Lisburn and the First World War, the Complete Story – Exhibition Read More »
July holiday opening hours 2017 The museum is closed July 12th and 13th 2017, re-opening on July 14th at 9.30am. Further information on all council facilities can be found here.
July holiday opening hours 2017 Read More »
‘Lisburn 1918-23’ exhibition opens at the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum A major new exhibition detailing the events in Lisburn from Armistice (1918) to the unveiling of the town’s war memorial in 1923 opened at the museum on June 26th 2017. The display includes rare and unusual material relating to the August 1920 ‘Swanzy
‘Lisburn 1918-23’ exhibition opens at the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum Read More »
BBC Ulster’s Songs of Ulster – The Wee Weaver, a collaboration In June 2017 BBC Ulster’s ‘Songs of Ulster’, with presenter Marty Cullen, travelled to the glens of Antrim to hear emerging traditional singers chant the songs of their locality, including ‘The Wee Weaver’ by Meabh Meir which was recorded here in Irish Linen Centre
BBC Ulster’s Songs of Ulster – The Wee Weaver, a collaboration Read More »
‘Lisburn 1918-23, Community Conflict and Commemoration after the Great War’ Exhibition ‘Lisburn 1918-23, Community Conflict and Commemoration after the Great War’ is a new exhibition detailing the events in Lisburn from the immediate aftermath of the Great War (1914-18) to the 1920 ‘Swanzy Riots’, through to the unveiling of the town’s war memorial in 1923.
‘Lisburn 1918-23, Community Conflict and Commemoration after the Great War’ Exhibition Read More »
The world of fashion is brought to your fingertips in a new virtual exhibition by Google and the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum 3000 years of the world’s fashion is brought together in the largest virtual exhibition of style. The “We wear culture” project by Google Arts & Culture is a collaboration with the
New website commemorating Lisburn and District’s First World War Dead In marking the ongoing centenary of the Great War (1914-18) the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum, in conjunction with local researcher Pat Geary, have launched a free dedicated website (www.Lisburn-and-the-great-war.com) detailing the men from Lisburn and the wider district (from Aghalee to Dunmurry, Hillsborough
New website commemorating Lisburn and District’s First World War Dead Read More »
A collaboration with the museum and the BBC. Scottish songstress and musician, Eddi Reader is as fascinated with the melodic rhythms of this century-old loom at the Irish Linen Museum in Lisburn as she is with the world and work of The Weaver Poets – Ulster’s own Bards who were linen workers and weavers by
Eddi Reader’s Rabbie Burns Trip: The Rhythm of the Weavers Read More »
Playful Museums is a Northern Ireland Museum’s Council initiative designed to develop programmes aimed at under-fives and helping to make museums fun and educational for all. In February the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum is running a FREE Playful Museums Festival + Family Fun Day. Playful Museums Festival From Monday 20th February to Friday
Playful Museums Festival + Family Fun Day – February 2017 Read More »
Exhibition: Dennis H Osborne Artist – An Appreciation The Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum’s new exhibition: Dennis H Osborne (1919-2016) Artist: An Appreciation features over 30 paintings and sketches from both the museum’s extensive Osborne collection, and a number of generous private donors and collections. A resident of Lisburn for over 20 years, Osborne
Exhibition: Dennis H Osborne Artist – An Appreciation Read More »
Thr Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum is closed on the following days during Christmas and New Years 2016/17: Christmas Day – closed Boxing Day – Closed Tuesday 27th – Closed Monday 2nd January – Closed Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year to all our visitors.
Christmas 2016 Opening Hours Read More »
Neil Shawcross, RUA, RHA (b.1940), Hilden Mill in the Snow c.1985 Oil on canvas ILC&LM collection 2016 © The artist This picture was inspired by the artist seeing the red brick mass of Hilden Mill vividly set against the white of surrounding snow. Linen thread-making was established at the Plantation, Lisburn in 1784. By the late-19th
Lisburn Advent Calendar 2016 – Day 25: Hilden in the Snow, Neil Shawcross Read More »
Corner of Antrim Street/Bow Street in the snow, c.1963 Each day this Advent, we will be sharing a different image of Lisburn and district from the museum’s collection. Feel free to share them with your friends and family, and get in touch if you have memories of the area, or further pictures.
Market Square North in the snow, c.1963.
Lisburn Advent Calendar 2016 – Day 23: Market Square North in the snow, c.1963 Read More »
The Corner House Pub, Antrim Street, c.1960s, now Midas the jewelers. The famous First World War image of the 11th battalion Royal Irish Rifles outside Tom Oliver’s was taken here. Each day this Advent, we will be sharing a different image of Lisburn and district from the museum’s collection. Feel free to share them with
Lisburn Advent Calendar 2016 – Day 22: The Corner House Pub, Antrim Street, c.1960s Read More »
Lisnagarvey Hockey Club and the First World War In preparing for the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum’s major exhibition ‘The Somme, Our Story’ (opened July 2016), the museum has been conducting research into the men who played for, or had close connections to, Lisnagarvey Hockey Club and the First World War (1914-18). To date,
Lisnagarvey Hockey Club and the First World War Read More »
Fire Authority building, Castle Street (demolished c.1983), as viewed from Castle Gardens. Each day this Advent, we will be sharing a different image of Lisburn and district from the museum’s collection. Feel free to share them with your friends and family, and get in touch if you have memories of the area, or further pictures.
Lisburn Advent Calendar 2016 – Day 21: Fire Authority building, Castle Street Read More »
The Sisters of the Sacred Heart arrived in Lisburn in 1870s, establishing a convent on Seymour Street. These building was demolished in the 1970s. Each day this Advent, we will be sharing a different image of Lisburn and district from the museum’s collection. Feel free to share them with your friends and family, and get
Lisburn Advent Calendar 2016 – Day 20: Convent, Seymour Street, c.1960s Read More »
Who remembers Walter Allen? Old Quay Street/Bridge Street junction, photographed from the new Queens Road, c.1983. Each day this Advent, we will be sharing a different image of Lisburn and district from the museum’s collection. Feel free to share them with your friends and family, and get in touch if you have memories of the
Quay Street with the Island chimney, as seen from Bridge Street, c.1960s.
A rare view of Bridge Street from the Gasworks/Back Lane area of Lisburn. Many of the houses had long, sloping back gardens. Each day this Advent, we will be sharing a different image of Lisburn and district from the museum’s collection. Feel free to share them with your friends and family, and get in
Lisburn Advent Calendar 2016 – Day 17: Bridge Street from the Gasworks, c.1960s Read More »
Stannus Place was a wonderful late-Georgian terrace of six three-storey houses set at right angles to the river. Each day this Advent, we will be sharing a different image of Lisburn and district from the museum’s collection. Feel free to share them with your friends and family, and get in touch
Greens and Chittick’s shops on Bow Street, c.1990s, Chittick’s opened in 1931, selling a range of fashions. It closed in 2006. Greens have been trading in Lisburn since the 1890s. Each day this Advent, we will be sharing a different image of Lisburn and district from the museum’s collection. Feel free to share them with
Lisburn Advent Calendar 2016 – Day 15: Greens and Chittick’s, Bow Street, c.1990s Read More »
The lion decorated the shop front of the Golden Lion Tea House, which was established at 59 Bow Street. The premises were later purchased by John G. Feguson and continued in use as a spirit grocery after its lease to Jordan Brothers around 1950.
Who remembers Elmore’s at Bow Street/corner of Market Place? The business was established in the town in 1896. Each day this Advent, we will be sharing a different image of Lisburn and district from the museum’s collection. Feel free to share them with your friends and family, and get in touch if you have
The new church was opened on Chapel Hill in June 1900, replacing an earlier building dating from 1786. The spire was added in the 1930s. The beautiful late Victorian St Joseph’s Hall was built in 1889, and only replaced in the 2000s. Each day this Advent, we will be sharing a different image of Lisburn
Haslem’s Lane, with James Street to the right, Smithfield, c.1964 The now demolished James Street, where Lisburn Square now stands, just off Haslem’s Lane. Each day this Advent, we will be sharing a different image of Lisburn and district from the museum’s collection. Feel free to share them with your friends and family,
Former Royal Irish Constabulary Barracks, Smithfield, c.1970s Now Glasgow’s, this building was formerly Smithfield RIC barracks. There were two other barracks in the town, at the Railway Station and Hillhall. Each day this Advent, we will be sharing a different image of Lisburn and district from the museum’s collection. Feel free to share
Terraced shops at Smithfield Street, c.1970s This row of terraced shops at Smithfield Street is still standing today. In the 1830s, Smithfield was described as being occupied by ‘several good and lofty houses…with respectable tradespeople’. Each day this Advent, we will be sharing a different image of Lisburn and district from the museum’s collection.
Lisburn Advent Calendar 2016 – Day 9: Terraced shops at Smithfield Street, c.1970s Read More »
Lisburn Swimming Pool at Smithfield, c.1970s The old Cattle Market has been replaced with the Lisburn swimming pool, which opened in 1970 and closed in 1999. If you look closely, the row of terraced houses can still be seen in Lisburn Square, although much altered. Each day this Advent, we will be sharing a
Lisburn Advent Calendar 2016 – Day 8: Lisburn Swimming Pool at Smithfield, c.1970s Read More »
Smithfield, Lisburn, c.1960s Standing in Market Street/Linenhall Street this view of Smithfield (now the site of Lisburn Market/ back entrance to Green’s) shows the Victorian terraced housing that once dominated this area. Each day this Advent, we will be sharing a different image of Lisburn and district from the museum’s collection. Feel
Lisburn Advent Calendar 2016 – Day 7: Smithfield, Lisburn, c.1960s Read More »
A rare view of Linenhall Street, looking towards Market Street This rare view shows a shirt factory on Linenhall Street, located right next door to Coulsons and across the street from the town’s historic brown linen hall. Each day this Advent, we will be sharing a different image of Lisburn and district from
Lisburn Advent Calendar 2016 – Day 5: Corner of Market Street and Smithfield This photograph, by John Press shows the corner of Market Street and Smithfield, where McCalls stands today. It’s taken from the junction of Linenhall Street, right outside the historic Brown Linenhall (now the Post Office). Note the very trendy 1970s white boots!
Lisburn Advent Calendar 2016 – Day 5: Corner of Market Street and Smithfield Read More »
Lisburn Advent Calendar 2016 – Day 4: the Island Spinning Mill, Lisburn. We have a real treat today, two unusual views of the Island Spinning mill. Opened in the 1860s, the mill produced linen thread for over 120 years, only ceasing production in the 1980s. Now demolished, the sites is now home to Lisburn &
Lisburn Advent Calendar 2016 – Day 4: the Island Spinning Mill, Lisburn Read More »
Lisburn Advent Calendar 2016 – Day 3: Back Lane Back Lane ran from (today’s) Governors Rd to Hill Street, at an angle to Bridge Street and Barnsley’s Row. The town’s gasworks were on one side of the street. Photograph by John Press. Each day this Advent, we will be sharing a different image of Lisburn
Lisburn Advent Calendar 2016 – Day 3: Back Lane Read More »
Lisburn Advent Calendar 2016 – Day 2: Piper’s Hill Looking Towards Hill Street This photograph, by John Press, looks across to Hill Street from Piper’s Hill/Market Lane. On the right it the partially cleared site of the world-famous Coulson’s Damask factory, on the left is Barnsley’s Row. Dates from the mid-1960s. Does anyone know
Lisburn Advent Calendar 2016 – Day 2: Piper’s Hill Looking Towards Hill Street Read More »
Lisburn Advent Calendar 2016 – Day 1: Hill Street Looking Towards Piper’s Hill, Lisburn Each day this Advent, we will be sharing a different image of Lisburn and district from the museum’s collection. Feel free to share them with your friends and family, and get in touch if you have memories of the area, or
Lisburn Advent Calendar 2016 – Day 1: Hill Street Looking Towards Piper’s Hill, Lisburn Read More »
Lisburn Advent Calendar 2016 – Follow us for updates Each day this Advent, we will be sharing a different image of Lisburn and district from the museum’s collection. Feel free to share them with your friends, and if you have any memories then let us know!
Lisburn Advent Calendar 2016 – Follow us for updates Read More »
One hundred years ago this month, the inhabitants of Lisburn hosted a civic reception to honour local-man Nelson Russell (1897-1971), the winner of the town’s first M.C.. Russell, who grew up in Clonevin Park and attended Friends’ School, was awarded the honour for leading a ‘daring’ daylight raid on German trenches in April 1916 while
Nelson Russell, Lisburn’s First Winner of the Military Cross. Read More »
‘The Great Flying Challenge’ BBC One Northern Ireland’s new show, ‘The Great Flying Challenge’, follows Dick Strawbridge as he attempts to re-create local man Harry Ferguson’s monoplane. The Ferguson monoplane was the first Irish heavier-than-air craft to fly. The monoplane was designed by Harry, and built in Belfast. He made his first flight in December 1909. The
Harry Ferguson’s Great Flying Challenge on BBC featuring Lisburn Museum Read More »
Lisburn’s Lost on the Lusitania: the case of Christopher Evans McConkey A guest by local researcher Pat Geary, author of the Friends’ School Lisburn WWI database. Born in Hillsbrough, Co. Down on the 7 August 1853 Christopher Evans McConkey was the son of John and Bessie and grandson of Edward and Elizabeth McConkey. The family,
Lisburn’s Lost on the Lusitania: the case of Christopher Evans McConkey (Guest Post) Read More »
2016 Autumn Talks Programme featuring Eamon Phoenix, Donal McAnallen, Lar Joye, Jason Burke, Tom Hartley, Marja Almqvist, Fearghal McGarry and Pat Geary, Sept-Oct All talks are FREE. To book, or for more information, visit www.lisburnmuseum.com email: ilc.reception@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk or tel: 02892663377. Note: Jason Burke is unable to attend, and Philip Orr will now facilitate this session.
Lisnagarvey Hockey, the Olympic Games, and Lisburn’s first Olympian? In August 2016 the Olympics Games will take place in Rio, Brazil, and for the first time in 108 years the Irish Hockey Team will contest the finals (although men from Northern Ireland will compete with both Ireland and Great Britain hockey teams). In the same year that
Lisnagarvey Hockey, the Olympic Games, and Lisburn’s first Olympian? Read More »
Summer Archaeology Dig 2016 at Hillsborough Castle This summer we need your help to discover what’s underneath the gardens and add to Hillsborough Castle’s collections, stories and history. With expert archaeologists on hand to lead the dig, we need you to be part of the team and unearth the hidden secrets. Old maps suggest
Summer Archaeology Dig 2016 at Hillsborough Castle Read More »
‘THE SOMME, OUR STORY’ EXHIBITION, July 2016 *Official Press Release* Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has opened a new public exhibition ‘The Somme, Our Story’ in the Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum to mark the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme. The Mayor, Councillor Brian Bloomfield MBE, the Mayoress, Rosalind Bloomfield and Councillor
‘THE SOMME, OUR STORY’ EXHIBITION, July 2016 *Official Press Release* Read More »
The Somme, Our Story, 1916 To mark the Centenary of the first day of the Battle of the Somme, the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum presents its new major exhibition: The Somme, Our Story, 1916. Packed with letters, photographs, original artefacts, documents and archival footage, the exhibition offers up a social history of the
Exhibition: The Somme, Our Story, 1916 Read More »
‘Colin Mountain from Hillsborough’ by Basil Blackshaw, Lisburn Museum 2014 Medium: oil on canvas, Size:45 x 44.5 cm. (17.7 x 17.5 in.) ‘Colin Mountain from Hillsborough’ by Basil Blackshaw was an oil painting by one of Ireland’s finest artists and was presented to the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum in 2014. The generous donation
‘Colin Mountain from Hillsborough’ by Basil Blackshaw, Lisburn Museum 2014 Read More »
The Tricolour That Flew Over the GPO: the Story of Sgt Davis (Lisburn) 1916 With the surrender of the Easter Rising rebels on Friday April 28th 1916, and the re-capture of the GPO, a party of local soldiers, who had helped quell the Rising, returned home. Given a ‘great reception’ at Lisburn Railway Station, the
The Tricolour That Flew Over the GPO: the Story of Sgt Davis (Lisburn) 1916 Read More »
Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th Birthday Exhibition Our new exhibition – titled: Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th Birthday Exhibition – will open in the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum on Monday 25 April, and will look back at the Queen’s 90 years. This will include displays of royal memorabilia, images and literature relating to royal visits to Lisburn
Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th Birthday Exhibition Read More »
Circuit of Ireland Rally Winners 2016 receive Irish Linen There was Lisburn Linen For the Circuit of Ireland Rally Winners 2016! Following the successful launch of this year’s Circuit of Ireland Rally in Lisburn, the Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh, Councillor Thomas Beckett presented Craig Breen from Waterford and his co-driver Scott Martin – winners
Circuit of Ireland Rally Winners 2016 receive Lisburn Linen Read More »
Lisburn and the Circuit of Ireland *For event details on Lisburn and the Circuit of Ireland 2016 see the bottom of this post. Beginning in 1931 the Circuit of Ireland, first known as the Ulster Motor Rally, became the Circuit of Ireland Trial in 1936, and finally the Circuit of Ireland Rally in 1956. At its
Lisburn and the Circuit of Ireland: The Town’s First Winner Wilbur Todd 1953 Read More »
Lisnagarvey Transmitting Station 80 Year Anniversary This year we are celebrating the Lisnagarvey Transmitting Station 80 Year Anniversary. Located in the civil parish of Blaris , the tower is actually situated in the townland of Magherageery, and not Lisnagarvey. The townland of Lisnagarvey, which Lisburn derives its name from, is actually in the centre of Lisburn city.
Lisnagarvey Transmitting Station 80 Year Anniversary (BBC) Collections Read More »
Happy St Patrick’s Day 2016 from the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum
Happy St Patrick’s Day 2016 from the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum Read More »
‘Thundery Showers, County Down’ by Terence Philip Flanagan As featured on ArtUk’s website, ‘Thundery Showers, County Down’ by Terence Philip Flanagan (1929–2011) is held in the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum’s collection. Painted in 1965, this oil on canvas was gifted to the museum on 1996. T. P. Flanagan T. P. Flanagan is considered
‘Thundery Showers, County Down’ by Terence Philip Flanagan Read More »
Mrs Metge and the Lisburn Bomb A fragment of glass from Mrs Metge’s bomb at Lisburn Cathedral has recently gone on display in the museum’s ‘Lisburn, 1912-1915’ exhibition. The fragile piece of glass is on loan from Lisburn Cathedral.
A fragment of glass from Mrs Metge’s bomb at Lisburn Cathedral Read More »
Rising Voices: Lisburn at Easter 1916 New Exhibition On March 24th 2016 the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum opened ‘Rising Voices: Lisburn at Easter 1916’, a new exhibition exploring the Easter Rising and Lisburn, through the story of individuals associated with the town. When the Rising broke out in April 1916 Lisburn, like many towns in Ulster,
Temporary Museum Closure: March 7th-11th 2016 Due to essential maintenance, the museum will be closed from March 7th to March 11th inclusive. We apologise for any inconvenience. Staff can be still be contacted here. Next week On Tuesday 8th March you can enjoy live spinning and weaving demonstration and discuss the history of Ireland’s most important industry at
Temporary Museum Closure: March 7th-11th 2016 Read More »
Talk by Eamon Phoenix and Philip Orr on Ethical Remembering Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Good Relations Programme cordially invites you along to a Talk by Eamon Phoenix and Philip Orr on Ethical Remembrance in light of the Decade of Centenaries. Eamon and Philip will be examining two of major events which took place between April and July
Irish Linen History at the Ulster Scots Centre This spring 2016 explore the history of Irish Linen at the Ulster Scots Centre. As part of a series of lunchtime talks and demonstrations staff will be on hand on Tuesday 8th March to discuss the history of Ireland’s most important industry. The talk is part of
In the Beginning, Flax… Linen is woven from flax (Linum usitatissimum), which comes from the Linacea family, and is one of the oldest textiles in the world. Records show the use of flax as a textile in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) during the Neolithic period (from 10,000 B.C. to 4000BC or so), and flax (seeds) and
History of Irish Linen and Flax Read More »
Answer the Call – Recruitment Posters from the Great War – New Temporary Exhibition Running from December 8th 2015 to January 23rd 2016, this exhibition explores recruitment posters from the Great War, and taken from the Ulster Museum’s collection. The Ulster Museum described it as a: powerful selection of First World War posters illustrating various
Answer the Call – Recruitment Posters from the Great War – Exhibition Read More »
Market Square Through Time Explore over 400 years of history of Market Square in the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum’s new exhibition: ‘Market Square through time’. This fantastic collection of past and present photographs, watercolours, cartoons and objects tells the square’s rich history, while exploring the lives of the people who lived and worked
Exhibition: Market Square Through Time – a History of Market Square Lisburn Read More »
Following King George V’s proclamation, all parts of the empire marked the first anniversary of the signing of the Armistice. In Lisburn, many gathered at the temporary cenotaph in Market Square, where a short service was held, while others attended services in many of Lisburn’s churches. At 11am, a bell was rung and the town’s
Lisburn’s First Armistice Day – 11th November 1919 Read More »
On Tuesday 27th October 2015 noted author and journalist Kevin Myers delivered a talk titled ‘Ireland and the Great War’ to a packed Assembly Room. Kevin is well known for his role in illuminating – and returning to the public’s consciousness – the role Ireland and Irishmen played in the great war of 1914-198, and
Kevin Myers – Ireland and the Great War Read More »
Commemorating Men from Lisburn and District who fought and died at Gallipoli In October 2015 the museum’s curator, Brian Mackey, attended a wreath-laying service at Green Hill Cemetery, Turkey, to commemorate men from Lisburn and district who fought and died fighting with the 10th and 29th Divisions, as well as Australian and New Zealand forces,
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Researching Damask Our Curator, Brian Mackey, with Linda Eaton, John L. & Marjorie P. McGraw Director of Collections & Senior Curator of Textiles at Winterthur Museum, Delaware, who visited the museum recently. Linda is researching linen damask made for the American market, and had the opportunity to explore the museum’s internationally-significant damask collection. Brian Mackey,
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On 2nd October 2015 the museum launched its latest exhibition, ‘Tale of the Threads’ by the Loose Thread Quilters. Loose Thread Quilters is a small group of active quilt makers drawn from all over Northern Ireland. For over 20 years the group has promoted the practice and art of patchwork, appliqué and quilting to traditional
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Philadelphia exhibition 1876: Woven Damask banner Woven to celebrate the centenary of the signing of the declaration of independence in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this banner features a scene from Benjamin West’s famous depiction of the Quaker William Penn (1644-1718) signing a peace treaty with the Native Americans. Note the text below Penn: ‘The Only Treaty Never
A former teacher at Hilden Primary School, Ms Hanthorne, is collecting material (stories, images, text, reminiscences or other ephemera) relating to the school for a new book. If you have any of this material, or you are interested in getting involved, then please contact us here, and we’ll forward your details on.
Memories of Hilden School: Call for Stories, Pictures or Reminiscences Read More »
Autumn Events Programme 2015 Please browse our Autumn Events Programme (2015) or download it here.
Autumn Events Programme 2015 Read More »
New Book: The Chemistry of Textile Fibres A new publication on the Chemistry of Textile Fibres featuring material from the museum’s collections has been published. This is the 2nd edition of Mather and Wardman’s seminal text, revised and updated. The publisher’s blurb: Textiles are ubiquitous materials that many of us take for granted in our
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This collaborative exhibition celebrates craft and design practice based on the past, current and future landscape of Irish linen. Ten local textile-oriented practitioners and ten Celtic neighbours in Wales embraced past heritage and modern style, developing novel techniques and customization including felt making, embroidery, natural dying and digital finishes. Linen Futures aims to communicate the
New Exhibition: Linen Futures (19th-31st August 2015) Read More »
