Bridging Traditions: Irish Lace meets West African Adire Textiles

The National Museum of Ireland hosted an extraordinary meeting of hands this spring: master Irish lace-makers working side by side with West African Adire textile artists. The result — a series of collaborative cloths where indigo resist-dye patterns meet centuries-old needlework — drew record visitors over its three-week run.

The residency behind the exhibition paired eight artisans over six weeks in Dublin. Each piece carries two signatures, and each sale returns 70% directly to the makers. Provenance cards document the techniques, the regions and the stories woven into every panel.

Following the exhibition's success, the collection will travel to Lagos and Nairobi in 2027, accompanied by weaving workshops for young apprentices — ensuring the bridge is walked in both directions.