Your Paintings is a joint initiative between the BBC, the Public Catalogu
e Foundation (now known as Art UK) and participating collections across the UK. It aims to show the entire UK national collection of oil paintings, the stories behind the paintings, and where to see them for real. It is made up of paintings from thousands of museums and other public institutions around the country. Visit www.larnehistoricchurchtrail.co.uk for an easy-to-follow trail that will guide you around some of the oldest churches and graveyards in County Antrim. Visit www.memoriesofcarnlough.com to view a record of the early years of Carnlough Civic Week 1963 - 1982.
04/12/2023
"Kilwaughter Castle", an exhibition exploring the enduring appeal of Kilwaughter Castle, its people and place in local history, is now on display at Larne Museum & Arts Centre.
Few buildings in Co Antrim have endeared themselves to their local people as much as Kilwaughter Castle. The current castle was designed by John Nash in 1807 for Edward Jones Agnew, but there has been a castle here since the 17th century.
What is it that is so special about this 400 year old building? The Castle has been a family home, a convalescent home for soldiers during WW1 and it was a base for many American and Belgian troops during WW2.
It represents national and international history at a local level and has played its role in shaping our local history.
The exhibition will be on display from Friday 1st until Thursday 21st December and includes Saturday opening on 9th December. Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 10.00am – 4.00pm.
02/12/2023
Join us on Saturday 9th December from 10.30am to 3.00pm for a free drop-in Christmas crafts session with activities suitable for all ages. The day will also include seasonal stories. Suitable for the whole family.
Please express your interest by calling Larne Museum on 028 28 262443 or e-mail [email protected].
Light refreshments provided.
Everyone welcome!
28/11/2023
This map is available now. It maps the results of a desk based archaeological survey of Larne Lough on the East County Antrim coast by Antrim County Archaeological Society. Many new sites of archaeological interest have been identified including several of potential norse/viking activity in the lough formerly known as Wulfrichsfjord from a document dated AD1210.
This map shares the results of the Larne Lough Archaeological Survey undertaken by Antrim County Archaeological Society from June 2019 to Present.
25/11/2023
Object of the Month – Peridot Anchor
This anchor was recovered from the wreckage of the steamship ‘Peridot’ at Skernagahan Point, Islandmagee, by the Barracuda Sub Aqua Club and has been in the possession of the Larne Museum and Arts Centre since 1994. The Peridot was a steamship which had been built in Paisley in 1890. It was owned by W. Robertson & Co. of Glasgow, with two of the crew being Scottish and the remaining eight crew being from Carnlough, Co. Antrim.
On Sunday 26th November 1905, the ship arrived at Carnlough and was waiting for high tide to get to the quay and collect a cargo of limestone. However, the beginnings of a huge storm meant the ship risked running aground while dragging its anchor, and so the Peridot left for the relative safety of Larne Harbour. Reported in many newspapers as ‘the Great Gale’, this storm affected the whole of the British Isles, with winds of up to 80mph causing widespread damage and flooding. The following morning, Monday 27th Nov., the Peridot was found to have broken up into two pieces on the rocks at Skernagahan Point, Islandmagee, with the loss of all nine crew onboard. The badly mangled bodies were recovered and taken to an untenanted cottage at the beach in Brown’s Bay.
At the inquest held on Tuesday 28th Nov., at Brown’s Bay, it was supposed that a fault in the steerage or engine had meant that the ship lost control and was carried by high waves onto the rocks. However, when relatives of the deceased were asked if the crew had ever complained about the condition of the ship, they replied that they had not. The loss of the Peridot was significant enough to be reported in regional and national newspapers all over Britain and Ireland, and a relief fund was set up by the Larne Times for the benefit of the victim’s families.
24/11/2023
This afternoon as part of Ulster-Scots Language Week the Ulster-Scots Agency was delighted to support a new Ulster History Circle blue plaque to commemorate Dr James McHenry, the Larne born Ulster-Scot whose novels brought the Ulster-Scots people and language of County Antrim to an American audience. The plaque, erected on Larne Museum and Arts Centre Official, was unveiled by Jane Allen DL, representing the Lord Lieutenant of County Antrim, in the presence of the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Gerardine Mulvenna.
"O’Halloran; or, The Insurgent Chief" by Dr James McHenry
Limited paperback copies of "O’Halloran; or, The Insurgent Chief" by Dr James McHenry are now available to purchase at Larne Museum & Arts Centre for £10.
Latharna Press republished the book earlier this year to mark the 225th anniversary of the 1798 rebellion. Originally printed in 1824, this was the first American novel set in the north of Ireland. McHenry, a Larne born poet, novelist and doctor, was the creator of American 'Frontier Gothic'.
As part of Ulster-Scots Leid Week, the Ulster History Circle will be commemorating Dr James McHenry (I785-I845) by unveiling a blue plaque at Larne Museum & Arts Centre on Friday 24th November at 12.00 noon.
19/11/2023
This is the last week of the 'John Clifford 40th Anniversary Exhibition', which closes to the public at 4.00pm on Thursday 23rd November.
This extract, in John's own words, is taken from the Larne & District Folklore Society book held in the archives of Larne Museum & Arts Centre.
"There is great satisfaction in discovering - and realising just how much the townspeople appreciate the fact that the Historical Centre belongs to them, it is their storehouse – as it were – where many of their memories are there in safe keeping and where they know that these memories are being shared by others.
As Curator of this grand institution I feel very honoured that I have been given the opportunity of helping to make as many of my townspeople happy."
John Clifford, 14th August 1976
17/11/2023
As part of Ulster-Scots Leid Week, which celebrates Ulster-Scots Language and Culture, the Ulster History Circle will be commemorating Dr James McHenry (I785-I845), Ulster-Scots Writer, American Consul, Londonderry 1842-1845, by unveiling a blue plaque at Larne Museum & Arts Centre on Friday 24th November at 12.00 noon.
The plaque will be unveiled by Jane Allen DL, Deputy Lieutenant of Co Antrim.
McHenry, a Larne born poet, novelist and doctor, was the creator of American 'Frontier Gothic'.
The Ulster History Circle is grateful to the Ulster-Scots Agency for their financial support towards this plaque, and to Larne Museum & Arts Centre for their assistance.
16/11/2023
We were very pleased to welcome Glynn Primary School, Larne & Inver Primary School and Olderfleet Primary School to storytelling sessions yesterday and today with Janice Witherspoon at Larne Museum & Arts Centre.
12/11/2023
This is the penultimate week of the 'John Clifford 40th Anniversary Exhibition', which is on display at Larne Museum & Arts Centre.
Following John’s death in 1983, Larne & District Folklore Society published ‘Poems of John Clifford (1900-1983)’. The book was initially intended to be a tribute from the Society, but following John’s death, became a memorial.
Visitors have said:
"Was a privilege to have known John. Great exhibition."
"Impressive. Knew John while a reporter for the East Antrim Times."
"A great man!"
10/11/2023
Larne Museum & Arts Centre will be open tomorrow, Saturday 11th November 2023, from 10.00am - 4.00pm.
Visit the 'John Clifford 40th Anniversary Exhibition' which tells the story of the first curator of Larne Museum.
We will also be hosting a Storytime session for children aged 4-11 from 10.30am to 11.30am.
While you are here, why not visit our permanent exhibition gallery which explores the agricultural, industrial, military and maritime history of the area.
Everyone welcome!
Image: John Clifford (Larne Museum Archives)
08/11/2023
Larne Drama Circle presents 'Agatha Crusty and the Village Hall Murders'
McNeill Theatre, Larne
Wednesday 15th, Thursday 16th and Friday 17th November at 7.30pm
Agatha Crusty (pronounced Croosty!) is a crime novelist - She ís also pretty adept at solving crimes herself!
When her sister-in-law Alice invites her to spend a few days with her in the village of Chortelby, it’s not long before she gets caught up in a series of murders which seem directed at members of the All Saints Village Hall committee.
With numerous suspects including Toby the Vicar, Eleanor the committee Chair, and Harry the Caretaker, and an investigating officer as incompetent as DI Twigg, there are plenty of laughs as the bodies begin to pile up.
This murder mystery with an ingenious plot is packed with wit and will keep the audience both laughing and pondering until the final scene.
Come along and join us for an evening of comedy - with more than a little murder thrown in for good measure!
Tickets (£10 - Cash only please) are available from our box office in Larne Leisure Centre on Wednesday 8th, Friday 10th and Saturday 11th November, 10am until 12 noon and 2pm to 4pm, as well as on performance nights from 6.30pm.
07/11/2023
Larne Art Club will be hosting a demonstration evening on Tuesday 14th November from 7.30pm.
Acrylic on large canvas with Steve McClean.
Everyone welcome!
07/11/2023
Larne and District Folklore Society Meeting
The next meeting of Larne and District Folklore Society will be held in Larne Bowling and Lawn Tennis Club on Monday 13th November 2023 at 7.30pm, when author and historian Dr David Hume will be giving a talk on ‘Folklore and Superstitions’.
Please come along! Everyone Welcome!
***
John Clifford was a founding member and Chairman of Larne & District Folklore Society which formed in 1968. The society helped in the campaign for a local museum which lead to John becoming the first curator of Larne Historical Centre, now Larne Museum & Arts Centre.
Image: Larne & District Folklore Society and Larne Historical Centre Float, 1980. L-R: Agnes Brown, Elizabeth Crowe, Annie Clements, Ken Cooke, John Clifford. (Larne Museum Archives)
06/11/2023
'Frances Anne Vane Tempest, Lady Londonderry, 19th Century Entrepreneur, Industrialist, and Influencer' by Mary Watson
Monday 20th November 2023, 7.15pm
This talk forms part of the Larne Family History Society 2023-2024 programme. The Society meets in the Education Room at Larne Museum & Arts Centre.
Doors open at 7.00pm. Free for members. Visitors are welcome for
a small donation. Places are limited. If you wish to attend, please contact the Branch Secretary at [email protected].
Larne Family History Society is a branch of the North of Ireland Family History Society.
New members and visitors are always welcome!
05/11/2023
The 'John Clifford 40th Anniversary Exhibition' continues this week at Larne Museum & Arts Centre.
Visitors have said:
"Nice to see a fine historian and wordsmith honoured."
"A fascinating exhibition of a talented man."
"Amazing exhibition - great memories!"
This photograph shows John Clifford as a finalist in the 1981 Legal & General Golden Years Award for Britain’s Top Pensioner. He is pictured with TV personality Sally James at Café Royal, London, 24th November 1981. (Larne Museum Archives)
04/11/2023
Storytime at Larne Museum
Saturday 11th November 2023, 10.30am - 11.30am
Join us for a free interactive storytelling session with themed activities based on a children's storybook.
Booking preferable. Suitable for age 4-11. For more information, please contact Larne Museum & Arts Centre on 028 28 262443 or e-mail [email protected].
02/11/2023
Ulster's Prehistory - a talk by Dr Cormac McSparron
Larne Museum & Arts Centre
Thursday 16th November 2023, 7.30pm - 9.00pm
Join prehistorian Dr Cormac McSparron for a whistle stop tour of the prehistoric and early historic archaeology of Ulster, from the first settlers to the coming of Christianity. The lecture will look at the lifestyles of the earliest hunter gatherers, the first stone age farmers, their settlements and megalithic tombs, the chiefs of the Bronze Age and Iron Age kings finishing with early Christian saints and scholars. The lecture will examine the latest archaeological research from excavation, radiocarbon dating and ancient DNA analysis, to present a detailed but accessible account of our ancient past.
Places are limited and should be booked in advance by contacting Larne Museum on 028 28 262433 or e-mail [email protected].
Light refreshments provided.
01/11/2023
Larne Museum & Arts Centre will be closed today.
Apologies for any inconvenience.
31/10/2023
Get your tickets for Phil Coulter performing live at the McNeill Theatre, Larne this Friday 3rd November. Tickets are available to buy at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/larnearts/t-rpjeeyx or at the box office on the night of the event from 6.45pm.
29/10/2023
The 'John Clifford 40th Anniversary Exhibition' continues this week at Larne Museum & Arts Centre.
John Clifford had a lifelong love of music and was a talented fiddler and a competent pianist. He also played the drums in a local Pipe Band.
We are pleased to be displaying the fiddle that belonged to John Clifford, courtesy of the Clifford family.
“About the year 1931-2 the organiser of the annual Larne Musical Festival decided to include a class called “The Country Fiddlers”. There was a good response from the lads of the countryside and I was one of the entrants myself." (This extract, written by John Clifford in 1969, is taken from the Larne & District Folklore Society book held in the archives of Larne Museum.)
Image: Alex Brown, John Clifford, John McKay, Sam Cross (Larne Museum Archives)
28/10/2023
Object of the Month - Photograph of Larne Main Street with the top of the Gasworks just in view in the top centre of the photo
In the 19th and early 20th centuries towns and cities would have contained a gasworks, a site where gas was manufactured, usually from coal, in order to provide street lighting and, later, domestic lighting, heating, and gas for cooking. The gas was produced by heating, but not burning, coal in large vessels called retorts. The gas produced would then go through a purification process before being stored in a large, cylindrical gasholder. Despite the ubiquitousness of these gas manufacturing plants, the vast majority have either been completely demolished or had only the gasholder retained to store natural gas. The only complete surviving plant in Ireland can be found at Carrickfergus, with the Larne plant being demolished sometime after its closure in 1965.
The gas industry had been developed between 1800 and 1820, and this was followed by a long period of expansion lasting until 1860. The Larne Gas Company was established towards the end of this phase of expansion in 1851. In April of that year a request for tenders to undertake the construction of the gasworks, including a dwelling-house and offices, retort house, coal shed, purifying-house, and gasholder, was advertised in the Belfast News-Letter. This gasworks was to be constructed between 99 – 103 Main Street and Cockle Row, now the site of a car wash, and had good access to the railway and harbour, which were essential for transporting coal to the plant.
The installation of gas lighting in the town increased commerce and productivity, as mills and other industrial concerns could now have employees work longer hours into the night, and shops could remain open later. New lights at the harbour in 1876 caused a supply pipe to be installed along the Curran Road, and this was the impetus for several construction projects in the area.
Conflict between Larne Gas Company and the Council occurred in the 1890s when the former made an agreement with the Town Commissioners, who became Larne Urban District Council in 1899, that the gasworks would be municipalised and purchased by the local authority. In short, after making this agreement, the Council had privately decided not to purchase the gasworks, and delayed informing Larne Gas Company of this fact by stating that they were still awaiting approval from the Local Government Authority. When Larne Gas Company contacted the Local Government Authority it became apparent that the Council had refused to supply the evidence necessary for approval. This resulted in threats of legal action against the Council from Larne Gas Company, ‘to recover damages for their wanton and faithless conduct’.
Continuing as a private enterprise, the Larne gasworks saw further expansion in the early 20th century, as the increased use of gas in the home generated healthy profits. However, by the 1960s the price of coal meant that manufacturing ‘coal gas’ was no longer economically viable. At this time many plants were closed down, or converted to producing or storing gas created as a by-product of oil refining. This led to the closure of the Larne plant in 1965.
26/10/2023
Reminder : The Anthony Toner event scheduled for this evening at Larne Town Hall has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
23/10/2023
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the 'Discover Your Scottish Ancestors' talk by Larne Family History Society on Wednesday 25th October has been cancelled.
Apologies for any inconvenience.
22/10/2023
The 'John Clifford 40th Anniversary Exhibition', now on display at Larne Museum & Arts Centre, explores the life and work of local man John Clifford - actor, poet, musician and historian.
John was involved in the recreation of the old hiring fairs which was organised by Larne & District Folklore Society at Upper Cross Street, Larne, in partnership with members of Larne and District Historical Society and Larne Drama Circle. The first one took place in 1977.
20/10/2023
Storytelling sessions for primary schools with Janice Witherspoon.
Enjoy nature tales with local storyteller Janice Witherspoon at Larne Museum & Arts Centre on Wednesday 15th & Thursday 16th November 2023.
Session times are:
9.30am - 10.15am - FULLY BOOKED ON BOTH DAYS
10.45am - 11.30pm - FULLY BOOKED ON BOTH DAYS
12.45pm - 1.30pm - AVAILABLE ON BOTH DAYS
Places are limited and must be booked in advance.
Sessions can be adapted to suit Key Stage 1 or 2.
One school only per session.
To book a session, please contact Larne Museum & Arts Centre on 028 28 262443 or e-mail [email protected].
18/10/2023
'Discover Your Scottish Ancestors' by Chris Paton
Wednesday 25th October 2023, 7.15pm
This talk forms part of the Larne Family History Society 2023-2024 programme. The Society meets in the Education Room at Larne Museum & Arts Centre.
Doors open at 7.00pm. Free for members. Visitors are welcome for
a small donation. Places are limited. If you wish to attend, please contact the Branch Secretary at [email protected].
Larne Family History Society is branch of the North of Ireland Family History Society.
New members and visitors are always welcome!
15/10/2023
The 'John Clifford 40th Anniversary Exhibition', which explores the life of the first curator of Larne Museum, continues this week at Larne Museum & Arts Centre.
John Clifford had a lifelong interest in drama. Over the years he was a member of various theatrical groups and drama societies. He appeared on stage and in film. He also wrote and produced plays, some of which were recorded for the BBC World Service.
The display includes this box of stage make-up. Handwritten on the inside of the lid, it reads: ‘J Clifford / Cripplegate Theatre / London / 1952’.
13/10/2023
Larne Museum & Arts Centre will be open tomorrow, Saturday 14th October 2023, from 10.00am - 4.00pm.
Visit the 'John Clifford 40th Anniversary Exhibition' which tells the story of the first curator of Larne Museum.
We will also be hosting a Storytime session for children aged 4-11 from 10.30am to 11.30am.
While you are here, why not visit our permanent exhibition gallery which explores the agricultural, industrial, military and maritime history of the area.
Everyone welcome!
Image: John Clifford (Larne Museum Archives)
12/10/2023
12/10/2023
There are two horrifying Halloween Writing workshops taking place on Monday 30 October at Larne Market Yard!
Join us for a free interactive storytelling session with themed activities based on a children's storybook.
Booking preferable. Suitable for age 4-11. For more information, please contact Larne Museum & Arts Centre on 028 28 262443 or e-mail [email protected].
08/10/2023
The 'John Clifford 40th Anniversary Exhibition' will be open to the public this week. The exhibition explores the life and legacy of John Clifford and features personal artefacts and photos.
You can also view a selection of film footage including the Bruce Cavalcade 1976, Hirin' Fair 1977, Hirin' Fair 1983, and the opening of the museum in 1983.
Image: Matt Meharg and John Clifford thrashing straw at Larne Hirin’ Fair
1977 (Larne Museum Archives)
07/10/2023
We are set up at Mounthill Fair today. We have some free local history books, a book of selected photos from the archives to purchase for £5 and some kids activity sheets.
Come say hello to Scott and Vicky and don't forget your wellies!
06/10/2023
Larne Art Club will be hosting a demonstration evening on Tuesday 10th October from 7.30pm.
Working in Acrylics with Emma Brown
Everyone welcome!
Image: Emma Brown pictured at Larne Art Club's Spring Exhibition launch in March 2020.
06/10/2023
Larne Museum & Arts Centre will be open tomorrow, Saturday 7th October, from 10.00am until 4.00pm.
The 'John Clifford 40th Anniversary Exhibition' will be officially opened at 2.00pm. The exhibition commemorates the life of local man John Clifford, the first curator of Larne Museum, who passed away on 8th October 1983.
Staff from Larne Museum will also be attending Mounthill Fair where we will have limited copies of some free local history booklets including a newly published booklet of poems by John Clifford.
We look forward to seeing you!
Image: John Clifford and Roy Beggs at Mounthill Fair c1979 (Larne Museum Archives)
30/09/2023
Mounthill Fair
John Clifford was one of the people responsible for the revival of the Mounthill Fair in the early 1960s, and was “one of its most enthusiastic exhibitors”, according to the Belfast Newsletter of 11th October 1969.
John relates some of the history of Fair and the story of its revival in this partial extract taken from the Larne & District Folklore Society book held in the archives of Larne Museum.
“This fair, once reputed to be one of the best foal fairs in all Ireland is one of very ancient origin. There does not appear to be in existence any official warrant or charter attached to the fair, but it is possibly of sixteenth or seventeenth century origin…
This colourful, boisterous annual ritual had been observed through the centuries by successive generations of horse lovers – for it had always been principally a horse-fair – and even up to the time of World War I it was a fair of some magnitude, indeed throughout the years of that war, 1914-1918 the British army horse dealers were regular visitors to Mounthill and many a fine “cavalry type” animal left Mounthill Fair to go straight into a gun-carriage and possibly end its days in Belgium or France. But as from the end of that war (1918) onwards there was a noticeable decline in the number of mares and foals coming to Mounthill and by the time Hitler’s war broke out (1939-1945) the fair had shrunk to a mere score or two animals, so that when this war was over and the mechanisation of farming began to spread, the horse population dwindled every year to such a degree that by the year 1958 there was not one horse to be seen at Mounthill on the traditional date, October 1st.
I had been living in London since 1937 and was over home on holiday on October 1st 1959 when I suddenly remembered it was Mounthill Fair, so I made my way up to Mounthill only to find the place deserted. In vain I looked for the crowds and strained my ears to catch the sound one associates with fairs. I had a strange “Robinson Crusoe” feeling as I slowly realised that this great, grand historic old institution was doomed to be relegated to nothing more than a memory for perhaps the lifetime of one generation and then to silently take its place amongst those things which as the years glide past – are forgotten, lost forever.
It was perhaps a fortunate coincide that on that October day in 1959 that amongst the small group of local people who had collected at Mounthill there were several old friends I had known when the Fair was in its heyday, amongst others were Alec Martin, Sam Howie, John White, William Mewhirter, William A McWilliams. With these and several others I began discussing the fair, and although it was some time before I ventured to suggest outright what was burning uppermost in my mind I never for a moment entertained the idea or even gave a thought to the possibility that the fair had ceased to exist and that nevermore would the men and animals of the countryside gather there as they had been going for centuries.
I can remember asking those around me this one very important question – “Would you like to keep the fair alive?”, and there was a chorus of “Ayes”. So we began talking in earnest about the best way to revive the fair for the following year. There and then a Committee was formed and charged with the responsibility of canvassing as many farmers and dealers as possible to ensure that they attended the fair on the first Saturday in October the following year (1960). My work necessitated my return to London a day or two after that “historic” day amongst my old friends at Mounthill, but I kept in constant touch with the Secretary, Sam Howie, and the Treasurer, Alec Martin, and it was an immense satisfaction to me to learn that the fair actually “took a deep breath” again in the following year of 1960.
These lines are being written 10 years after that despairing day of October 1st 1959 and we are all proud – and not a little surprised – that the fair is now one of the highlights of the year, not only for the people of Mounthill but for the scores of others who live many miles beyond Mounthill.”
Image: Mounthill Fair 1976 (Larne Museum Archives)
Object of the Month - Photograph of the Linford Earthworks
Although the Linford earthworks have never been excavated, making it impossible to be certain about their purpose, the above ground remains suggest that we may be dealing with a series of barrows. These are a type of burial monument which was constructed throughout the Bronze and Iron Ages (c. 2500 BC – 400 AD). The earthworks, which are about four miles northwest of Larne, have a very striking appearance when seen from the air, and the main elements of a barrow can be easily appreciated. The ‘barrow’ itself is the raised platform or mound in the centre, this is then surrounded by a ditch and external bank which demarcate the sacred space of the monument. Often there will be found a burial which consists of a cremation placed into a pit underneath the barrow, and there are at times multiple pits and burials. Entrances toward the east and north-east at Linford would have allowed access for funerary ceremonies and for later commemoration down through the generations.
An interesting aspect of barrows, of which there are several types, is that they sometimes occur in large clusters or ‘cemeteries’. For example, at Mitchelstowndown West, Co. Limerick, up to 53 barrows are concentrated in an area that averages three barrows per hectare. These groupings may have emphasised particular lineages in a society concerned with ancestors, much like the large megalithic tomb cemeteries of the Neolithic, such as Newgrange (c. 3000 BC). However, burial barrows, aside from obvious differences in appearance, also differ considerably from the earlier Neolithic tombs in that they usually contain only one to five cremations, and the emphasis is often on adult males. Neolithic tombs, on the other hand, contain men, women and children, with many individuals being added to the tomb over hundreds of years.
It is possible that the Linford earthworks are contemporary with the nearby Knock Dhu promontory fort. This ‘fort’, which was in reality a large, defensible village, dates to the Late Bronze Age (c. 1000 BC) and saw continued use into the Iron Age, just when the ring-barrow style was becoming common. It is possible that the earthworks contain the cremated remains of high-status individuals from the Knock Dhu settlement and that they would have made a powerful statement about the ancestry and lineage of the settlement’s elite.
29/09/2023
Signature Quilt Display at Gardenmore Church Coffee Morning
Saturday 30th September, 10.30am - 12.00 noon
Signature quilts first became popular more than 100 year ago when many churches used them to raise funds either for their own needs or during the First World War to help supply comforts to the troops.
Names were written with pencil on small squares of fabric and then embroidered to make them permanent, finally the squares were stitched together to make a bed quilt. Traditionally they were made with alternate red and white squares but in more recent years more colours and shapes have been introduced. Back in 1890 it cost two pence to write your name!
The quilts became a wonderful record of the members of a congregation and a good source of family history material.
Gardenmore Church hopes to make a signature quilt with all the proceeds going to the Manna Bakery project in Kambui, Kenya. This will provide training and employment for young people with physical challenges.
The pictured signature quilt from Larne Museum's collection will be on display at the Coffee Morning/Cake Sale, where you will have the opportunity to include your name on the Gardenmore Signature Quilt for a small donation.
We do not have any information about this particular quilt. The names include Dr Frank McGlade, Wm Unsworth, M Muggleton, May Crawford, D G Caldwell, and A E Purdy, amongst others.
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Videos
Mosaic Artwork
Pupils from Larne Grammar School, @St Killian' s College and Roddensvale School have helped to create a special piece of mosaic artwork in Larne Town Centre.🎨🖌️
This was a shared education project organised by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Arts service in Larne in conjunction with Larne Renovation Generation
The students worked together with the very talented local artist Janet Crymble to create this large-scale public art mosaic.
Well done to all involved!👏
The Man who Swallowed a Dictionary
Take a sneak peek into the world of Green Shoot Productions new one man show "The Man Who Swallowed A Dictionary" The Incredible story of David Ervine coming to the McNeill Theatre, Larne on Wednesday 13 September.
Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/larnearts/t-avyxryg and on the night of the event.
This one-man show chronicles the remarkable life of David Ervine, from the backstreets of East Belfast to Long Kesh prisoner to political negotiations at the White House and Downing Street.
1889 Club will be providing a bar service at this event.
Doors open at 7.30pm and the show starts at 8pm.
Recommended Age: 16yrs+ contains strong or offensive language.
Running Time: 2 hours (including 20 min interval)
Larne Arts Festival
As this year’s Larne Arts Festival ends check out our family fun day video which showcased the best of the Larne area, artists, musicians, writers and performers. If you are an artist, musician, writer,performer or local arts groups please get in touch at [email protected] to join our database and get involved with the arts programme. With over forty workshops,talks, tours,exhibitions and events thanks to all who took part!
"Reminiscence", an art exhibition by Laura Butler
In this short video, local artist Laura Butler discusses some of the techniques she uses in her artwork and introduces her exhibition, "Reminiscence: Paintings drawn from the spirit of old photographs".
“I have always been drawn to the places where the presence of people can be felt,” Laura Butler.
Laura Butler was born in Belfast but has enjoyed close connections with east Antrim all her life and has been living in Glynn village for almost 20 years.
In this exhibition, local artist Laura Butler focuses on the evocative quality of old photographs; depicting them in paintings with vivid colours that draw the viewer into the scene and invite a sense of shared memory.
The exhibition opens to the public at Larne Museum & Arts Centre on Wednesday 1st September and is on display until Tuesday 28th September.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Larne Authors
The Four Rules Of Writing With Stephen Gordon
Larne Writers Video 1
Larne Drama Video 3
Larne Drama Circle Video one
John Clifford talks about Richard Hayward
John Clifford, the first curator of Larne Historical Centre, was a friend of Richard Hayward's. He wrote “I was one of the fortunate many who for many years enjoyed the friendship of Richard. We first met about the year 1934-35. Richard was sponsoring the play “Castlereagh” in the Belfast Empire Theatre and he asked me to take part in a “curtain raiser”, which I gladly undertook. From then onwards we remained firm friends."
This audio extract, which is included in the exhibition 'Richard Hayward's East Antrim', is from an interview with John Clifford where he talks a little about Hayward.
The exhibition is on display until Tuesday 31st December.
Frankenstein at the McNeill Theatre, Larne
Don't miss this amazing production of Frankenstein at the McNeill Theatre, Larne on Thursday 1st November at 7.30pm. Tickets available from Larne Visitor Information Centre on 02828262495 or www.ticketsource.co.uk/larnearts
Built in 1905, this historic building opened its doors to the public in 1906 as the Carnegie Free Library following financial assistance from the American millionaire and philanthropist Mr Andrew Carnegie. In 2005, to commemorate its centenary year, the building was restored and renovated, retaining many of its original features.
The Main Gallery hosts permanent displays reflecting the agricultural, industrial, military and maritime history of the area. Larne is a principal gateway into Northern Ireland and the strong maritime links of this east Antrim coastal community are portrayed through a variety of exhibits relating to the first roll-on, roll-off ferries, the Royal Navy and the Princess Victoria disaster. Larne’s rural hinterland, which includes two of the nine glens of Antrim, is well represented in the museum’s folk life display. The War and Conflict section hosts objects from the Home Rule Crisis, Larne Gun Running and the First and Second World Wars. Visitors can access accounts and memories of local people through oral history listening posts and can browse through photographs in a digital community archive.
The ‘John Clifford Gallery’ plays host to a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These can include in-house or touring exhibitions and exhibitions by local groups and individuals.
The museum is managed by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, and forms part of the Mid and East Antrim Museum & Heritage Service alongside similar local museums in Ballymena and Carrickfergus.
