City’s proud linen history celebrated at Lisburn Museum

The Mayor, Alderman William Leathem, welcomed guests to an evening which celebrated the history of linen with a book launch, a contemporary linen fashion show of clothes by designer Geraldine Connon and a presentation of Sybil Connolly clothes to the museum by Shirley Lord Rosenthal.

Mr Leathem,said it was a pleasure to celebrate linen and its place in Lisburn’s history.

“Kathleen Curtis Wilson has compiled a very comprehensive book entitled ‘Irish People, Irish Linen’ and the Council is very honoured that she has chosen to launch her book at its Museum” he said.

“The book showcases linen which formed so much of the history and prosperity of Lisburn and Northern Ireland in previous centuries.”

Councillor Thomas Beckett, Chairman of the Council’s Leisure Services Committee, speaking about the donations to the museum by Shirley Lord Rosenthal, said: “The Council will be honoured to lovingly display these three pieces of Sybil Connolly designed 1960s Haute Couture in the Museum for all its visitors to view.

“These items are very important acquisitions for the Museum as Sybil Connolly is an internationally known couturier. Her trademark specialism was her distinctive use of pleated fine cambric linen which was woven for her by Spence Bryson of Northern Ireland. The Museum has created a graphic panel about the accomplished Sybil Connolly and I feel illustrates how significant Mrs Lord’s very generous gift is.”

The ‘Bespoke Fashion Art in Linen’ show of a collection designed by Geraldine Connon illustrated the beauty of linen. The hair of the fashion models was styled by Hillsborough’s Shane Bennett, three times winner of the UK Hairdresser of the Year Award.

If you would like to view the newest acquisitions of Sybil Connolly you can visit the Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum between 9.30am and 5.00pm Monday to Saturday.