Featuring work by Muriel Beckett, Tish Canniffe, Frances Crowe, Pascale De Coninck, Lorna Donlon, Terry Dunne, Catherine Ryan, and Heather Underwood

Artists Talk: Friday 30 May, 11am • The talk will include presentations by each artist as well as a private viewing of the Timelines short film made by Crannog Media.

Wexford County Council Arts Department is excited to present Timelines: Growth and Catastrophe, a touring exhibition of fibre art which launched in 2024 as part of Culture Night celebrations at Roscommon Arts Centre. This captivating exhibition, which has toured nationwide, showcases the third collaborative work from the Timelines Tapestry Group—a talented collective of weavers and tapestry artists. It will run at Wexford County Council from Friday, 30th May to Friday, 11th July, 2025.

The centrepiece of the exhibition is a breath-taking 5-meter by 1-meter handwoven tapestry, created collaboratively by eight distinguished artists: Muriel Beckett, Tish Canniffe, Frances Crowe, Pascale De Coninck, Lorna Donlon, Terry Dunne, Catherine Ryan, and Heather Underwood. In addition to the large-scale tapestry, the exhibition features individual works by each of the artists, offering a deeper exploration of their personal artistic expressions.

Inspired by the delicate balance of opposing forces in life, Timelines: Growth and Catastrophe reflects the profound experiences we have all encountered over recent years. The artists weave a narrative that juxtaposes the renewal and resilience of nature with the devastation of war and the darkness of the global pandemic. The tapestry serves as a metaphor for the tension between growth, renewal, and catastrophe, capturing the beauty and fragility of life. As nature regenerates in the aftermath of destruction and provides solace during lockdowns, the artists have infused hope into the intricate fibres of their work.

The creation of this monumental tapestry has been a journey of collaboration and dedication. The group began designing the project in Lorna Donlon’s UCD studio, drawing inspiration from plant science imagery and natural dyes. The weaving process itself took place in Terry Dunne’s home studio in Wexford, where the artists worked together in small groups over several months, fostering a sense of community and shared vision.

The making of the major centrepiece tapestry and accompanying film was generously supported by Creative Ireland Programmes of Wexford County Council, Roscommon County Council, Cork City Council, Cork County Council, and Laois County Council. This exhibition is a testament to the power of creative collaboration. Each artist brings their unique expertise and personal history to the collective project.

Wexford County Council’s temporary exhibition programme is delivered in partnership with Wexford Arts Centre.