Linen is perhaps the worlds oldest textile and is derived from varieties of the Flax plant.
Here we take you on a sensory journey, describing the growing cycle, relaying the traditional stages of production and illustrating how this textile is manufactured today using sight, sound, smell and touch. With image, song, scent bottle and touch tray, we pick up the threads of cultural union that tie Scotland into Europe from plant to product.
Hank of Yarn
Hank of linen yarn offered for exhibition by Lisburn Museum
Shuttle with Tow
Wooden weaving shuttle charged with dyed linen tow offered for exhibition by Susan Reynolds
Bobbin of Thread
Bobbin with linen thread offered for exhibition by Lisburn Museum
Damask Napkin
A damask linen napkin beetled to a smooth shine
Upholstery Linen
A swatch of upholstery weight linen
Linen Paper
Specially commissioned paper made from pulped linen rag by Allison Newman of PULP
Weaving Songs
Specially commissioned recordings featuring Katherine Campbell and Claire McNicol
