A new exhibition exploring creativity, community and renewal has opened at the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum.
‘Honouring Brokenness’ by The Golden Thread Group was officially opened on Saturday 24 October by Councillor Sharon Lowry, Chair of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council's Communities and Wellbeing Committee. The exhibition will run until 30 January 2027.
Established in 2022, The Golden Thread Group is an all-Ireland collective of women who share a passion for textiles and stitching. Meeting regularly on both sides of the border, members develop friendship, understanding and trust while sewing together and sharing stories.
The exhibition showcases work inspired by the group's commitment to honouring "the old, the broken and the discarded", using textile art to explore restoration, renewal and transformation.
Through sharing traditional and contemporary making skills and examining the symbolism of cloth and clothing across cultures and faith traditions, members have created a collection of pieces that reflect their collaborative journey.
Opening the exhibition, Councillor Lowry said: "Honouring Brokenness is a fascinating exhibition that brings together creativity, craftsmanship and community. As a city with a proud textile heritage, Lisburn is a fitting venue for this display, and I would encourage everyone to visit the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum and discover the inspiring stories behind the artwork."
The museum has worked with Professor Barbara Dass and The Golden Thread Group for more than a year, hosting several of the group's meetings and giving members the opportunity to explore its internationally significant textile collections. The exhibition is the culmination of that collaboration.
Visitors can also take part in a series of free stitching workshops linked to the exhibition, taking place on 21 November and 3 December 2026, and 23 January and 30 January 2027. The workshops will provide opportunities to learn a range of stitching techniques in a welcoming and creative environment.
For further information about the exhibition and workshops, visit the museum's exhibition webpage: https://www.lisburnmuseum.com/events/honouring-brokenness-by-the-golden-thread-group/