The legacy of Amy Whitelegge – lace designer, lacemaker and teacher


Invited speaker Merrie O’Sullivan will introduce the lace collection of her grandmother, Amy Whitelegge, who made and taught lace in Ireland. The collection includes a stunningly beautiful wedding dress and a sampler of Amy’s work, with many intricate stitches. The collection displays a wide variety of filling stitches and tambour, tape lace, Carrickmacross lace and crochet lace, as well as original artistic designs. 

Gabriela Avram (UL) will propose a project aimed at creating a digital catalogue of lace pieces found in private collections (such as the one presented here), with the view of recording these and using them as educational resources. The creation of an all-Ireland community for people interested in lace history, lace making, lace design and continuing the tradition of Irish laces in the 21st century will be discussed with the participants.

The event will take place at the Limerick Museum, where several lace pieces from the Florence Vere O’Brien collection, on loan from Veronica Rowe, are currently on display.

Date and time: 15 August, 2:30pm – 4pm

Venue: Limerick Museum, The Old Franciscan Friary, Henry Street, Limerick, V94 C7W1, Co. Limerick

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