UOW graduate’s Linen Memorial exhibition returns to Northern Ireland

25 Jun 2008 | Bernie Goldie

Creative Arts graduate Dr Lycia Trouton’s ‘Linen Memorial’ exhibition has returned to the Corrymeela Centre in Ballycastle as a focal point for the 2008 Day of Private Reflection.

The Day of Private Reflection is a day of personal and private reflection on the conflict in and about Northern Ireland and emphasises a commitment to a peaceful new society.

The ‘Linen Memorial’ exhibition pays tribute to the thousands who lost their lives over the 40 years of sectarian violence in Ireland. It includes the names of almost 4,000 victims which are embroidered on to hundreds of linen handkerchiefs, as linen is emblematic of the North of Ireland due to the history of this industry there.

The ‘Linen Memorial’ has been created over a period of eight years and is still in progress. The handkerchiefs are embroidered by needleworkers who have contributed their time to this project.

“While I have been an artist for many years my most major achievement, to date, has been this commemorative creation,” Dr Trouton, who was born in Belfast, said.

“The memorial has been a heartfelt personal project – now brought home to rest.”

Dr Trouton is currently conducting research with the College of Fine Arts at the University of New South Wales, and also with Dr Joseph McBrinn at the University of Ulster in Belfast.

[Story by Sharlyn Teo]