New Lisburn exhibition showcases ‘Coronation Linens’

April 4, 2023

A new Coronation-themed exhibition has opened in Lisburn that showcases both the area’s rich linen heritage and its strong Royal connections.

To mark the Coronation of King Charles III next month, the city’s Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum has installed a new exhibition called, ‘Coronation Linens’. It draws upon Ulster’s rich linen-producing heritage to showcase cloths woven to celebrate previous Royal coronations.

The exhibition features a number of coronation-related cloths from the museum’s extensive collection which covers a 250-year period from the reign of George II (1727-60) through to the twentieth century.

The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Scott Carson said: “I am delighted that our latest exhibition reflects the contribution of the local linen industry to previous coronations. Linen tableware was often woven to commemorate the crowning of a new monarch or other important royal occasions. We are very proud that we can mark the upcoming coronation here in the museum with a display of linen items which were produced in the local area”.  

The Chair of the council’s Leisure and Community Development Committee, Councillor Aaron McIntyre said: “I am delighted to see this exhibition on display at the museum. It is an important showcase of the skill and artistry of Ulster’s damask weavers, who for centuries produced the finest linen cloths for Kings and Queens. The exhibition’s centrepiece, the ‘Waringstown Cloth’ is a damask linen tablecloth which was woven for the coronation of George II in 1727 and is one of the most important pieces of early Irish damask linen. We are very excited to see it on display.”

The Chair of the council’s King’s Coronation Working Group, Councillor Hazel Legge said: “This wonderful exhibition at the museum forms part of a wider programme of events which will celebrate the coronation of King Charles III. Our wide range of events includes the Mayor's Carnival Parade and Family Fun Day and a Service of Thanksgiving in the Cathedral.”

The ‘Coronation Linens’ exhibition at the Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum in Market Square in Lisburn runs until 1 June and is open from 9.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Saturday.  Admission is free.