Alderman James Tinsley, alongside Ryan Black, Head of Cultural & Community Services, and Paul Allison, Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum at the recent launch of the exhibition at museum.

New Reformation Exhibition Opens at the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum

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 500th Anniversary of the beginning of the protestant Reformation, which followed the publication of Martin Luther’s ‘Ninety-five Theses’ in 1517.  It is open Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 5.00pm.

Alderman Tinsley alongside some of the generous donors to the exhibition,  Arthur Chapman and Stephen Moore, Friends School Lisburn, and Brian Mackey, curator emeritus.
Alderman Tinsley alongside some of the generous donors to the exhibition, including Arthur Chapman and Stephen Moore, Friends School Lisburn, and Brian Mackey, curator emeritus.

Alderman James Tinsley, Chairman of the Council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee, speaking about the exhibition, said: “The Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum is always keen to host exhibitions of key historical events.  Our children learn at school about the Reformation in history classes and this exhibition presents how this period affected Lisburn and the surrounding area. The Reformation progressed from Europe into Britain but ultimately at the time failed to gain traction in Ireland.

“There is a wonderful range of artefacts on display in the exhibition, including a rare 1576 edition of Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, a copy of the first Bible ever printed in Belfast (1751), as well as unique engravings of key Reformation figures, including Martin Luther. I would encourage residents to come and see this exhibition.”

Alderman Tinsley alongside local Moravians Henry Wilson and Sarah Groves, who kindly donated material to the exhibition.
Alderman Tinsley alongside local Moravians Henry Wilson and Sarah Groves, who kindly donated material to the exhibition.

Highlights of the exhibition include the story of:

  • Martin Luther, Henry VIII and the Tudor children
  • Early Christianity in Ireland, and the failure of the Irish Reformation
  • The Plantation, Cromwell and the Protestant Ascendancy
  • The Local Legacies of the Reformation in Lisburn, including Jeremy Taylor, Church of Ireland, Presbyterians, Catholics, Methodists, Quakers, and Moravians.

For more information, visit: https://www.lisburnmuseum.com/Reformation

Alderman Tinsley, Councillor Nathan Anderson and Councillor Amanda Grehan
Alderman Tinsley, Councillor Nathan Anderson and Councillor Amanda Grehan.

11oct(oct 11)9:30 am26jun(jun 26)1:00 pmReformation 500: the Reformation in Europe and its local legacy(October 11) 9:30 am - (June 26) 1:00 pm

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