Unveiling of 200th anniversary Mountmellick Embroidery piece
Gerry Savage, Chairperson of the Mountmellick Development association, sews the second stitch in the bicentennial memorial piece of Mountmellick embroidery, watched by Frances Connelly, Eliz Moore, Mary Ging, Noreen Savage and Janet Stewart, November 2025
TO mark the culmination of a year-long bicentennial celebration, Mountmellick Embroidery and Heritage Museum will officially launch and unveil a special 200th anniversary Mountmellick embroidery piece on Saturday 7 November at 10.30am.
Mountmellick embroidery is a unique craft â a distinctive form of white-on-white needlework that originated in Mountmellick in the early 19th century. Officially recognised on Ireland’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage, its defining characteristics include textured white cotton stitchwork and naturalistic motifs inspired by local flora.
Over the past year, members of the local community and passionate stitchers from across Ireland collaborated to design and create this intricate artwork. The piece honours the rich heritage and this significant historic milestone of Mountmellick embroidery.
The celebrations, including the official unveiling, will take place in Mountmellick Community Arts Centre (R32 WP68) on Saturday at 10.30am.
Event Itinerary: 10.30am, opening remarks; formal unveiling of the 200th anniversary Mountmellick embroidery piece; guest speakers: invited guest speakers will share the story behind the craft, highlighting its origins, its local 1970s revival, its spread to enthusiasts worldwide and the community dedication that brought this anniversary piece to life.
Members of the public, craft enthusiasts and community members are invited to attend and celebrate this landmark cultural occasion at this event. Admission is free.
