300 Years of Weaving
For my installation for Avoca, I wanted to celebrate their 300-year anniversary this Spring 2023. I was inspired by my visit to Avoca’s weaving mill along the banks of the Avoca River, Co. Wicklow. This co-operative weaving mill was set up in 1723, supplying local farmers a facility to spin and weave their wool for clothing which was supplied to local miners. Times were tough in rural Ireland at this time and the mill became a vital resource for the community.
The Century Throw is a statement piece for Avoca. This Century Throw was originally handmade at the mill and was given as a wedding gift over 100 years ago. In 2016, a customer returned the throw to the mill, and it was then recreated with a modern twist. I wanted to embrace Avoca’s heritage throughout this installation. I created a wooden mill wheel using a wood graining tool to give the wheel a wood effect. I also used the wool from the century throw along the paddles, giving the wheel a unique twist. I displayed Avoca beauty products along with the century throw, using a table display.