Tullamore Library is delighted to present Threading Needles, Telling Stories, an exhibition of 14 three-dimensional hand-sewn dolls made by the women of the Chatters and Matters, Tullamore Traveller’s Women’s Shed. Threading Needles, Telling Stories is a storytelling through doll-making project led by artist and doll-maker Teresa Doyle. The purpose of this project is to explore Traveller heritage and culture in a new way, with each doll serving as a vessel for participants to demonstrate and tell the stories of their Traveller experiences.
Through this project, each participant had the opportunity to explore and share their heritage and culture in a new way, through the creation of a three-dimensional fabric doll-like figure. The dolls serve as a vessel to help demonstrate and tell the stories of the participant’s Traveller experiences, while reawakening skills that may be inherent for some group members. Skills including planning, designing, pattern-making, pattern-cutting, pressing, stitching, knitting and garment assembly were learned and practiced throughout the project, and the artists look forward to future learning and creative engagement.
The exhibition can be viewed in Tullamore Library throughout the month of August. An official launch will take place on Tuesday August 13th at 6pm, with special guest Oein De Bhairdúin, Traveller Culture Collections Development Officer with the National Museum of Ireland.
All are welcome to attend.