“The Borris Lace by Post Project”

Description

Inspired by the traditional craft of Borris Lace, “The Borris Lace by Post Project” was launched in May 2021. The aims of the project were as follows.
– To engage older people (over the age of 65) in a creative craft activity in a Covid Safe way.
– To help alleviate the loneliness and isolation being felt by many of this age group during the pandemic.

Borris Lace was introduced to South County Carlow in 1846 by Lady Harriet Kavanagh of Borris House as a way for local people to make an income during famine times. The Borris Lacemakers Group was established in 2016 to redress the decline of the craft. “The Borris Lace by Post project” is mirroring the concept of supporting local communities through troubled times by addressing positive mental health, physical dexterity, promoting this craft and all the history, links, and stories that go with it. Over the course of six months, participants received packages through the post. The introductory pack explored what needlework skills participants had, what they knew about Borris Lace, and what they would like to create in the project. Thus, the project accommodated all skill levels and interests. The initial information gathered showed that traditional Borris lace techniques would prove too difficult for some of the participants due to conditions such as failing eyesight, arthritis, and other age-associated disabilities. Borris Lacemakers liaised with artists Ally Nolan and Jules Michael to make the activities accessible to all participants. Speaking about the project artist Jules said “Each step of the project was posted to participants in a unique pack, with materials and instructions to complete in their own home. Ally added “Posting out packs was a way for us all to connect, while being Covid-safe in our own homes.

The early packs included information on the history of Borris Lace and the establishment of the industry. This opened a conversation around Borris Lace, offering participants the opportunity to record their memories and stories of Borris Lacemaking. Many remembered family members, neighbors and friends who had been lacemakers in the past. It is hugely significant for these stories to be told and recorded for the future. The connection with Borris Lodge Nursing Home was very important. The majority of the residents are from Borris and surrounding areas and Borris Lace is a craft they had a connection with. When restrictions were lifted artists Jules Michael and Ally Nolan visited the nursing home to work on the project with residents and support the work that had been done by Borris Lodge activities coordinators during lockdown.

“It was a privilege for Borris Lodge to take part in Borris Lace by Post. It kept the residents going during Covid, a time that was very difficult! Borris Lodge is a big part of the community and it was nice that the Borris Lacemakers thought of our residents and included them in the project. We had the privilege of attending Borris House for an exhibition, which was lovely. The residents loved the social aspect and talking about the lace, as the history of Borris Lace is a big part of our community. Projects like this keep us in touch with what’s happening in the community and we are very thankful that residents of Borris Lodge were able to take part with the Borris Lacemakers and artists Jules and Ally.
Lauren McDonald- Activities Coordinator, Borris Lodge

The exhibition in Borris House laundry was a wonderful ending to the project and allowed participants to meet and see their work on display.
“The project was a very gratifying experience for Borris Lacemakers. My Mam was resident in Borris Lodge Nursing Home at the time and working on the activities gave us something to do together and we had fun in the process. These are all happy memories”.
Helena McAteer – Borris Lacemakers

The Borris Lace by Post project worked to support positive ageing and mitigate the negative impacts of isolating by supporting our older community to stay connected and engaged through a creative activity, learn or re-learn skills, re-acquaint themselves with the long-established tradition of Lacemaking in the Borris community and celebrate an indigenous and highly skilled craft that supported many families in this community by providing an industry and income during very difficult times.

Building on the success of the Borris Lace by Post project, the “Borris Lace Exchange Project” was launched in 2022 and is currently ongoing. This is a Creative Exchange project collaborating with Borris Lodge Nursing home, Borris Lacemakers Group, Borris Men’s Shed and shared with older persons care settings in EU Craft Hub partner country organization MaterHub, Matera, Italy, as a way of engaging with creativity, collaborating, making new connections, sharing crafts and traditions.

Aim of Initiative

The aim of the initiative was to alleviate loneliness and isolation experienced during the Covid by older people, through engagement with creative craft activities and to do this in a way that was within the Covid regulations in place at that time.

Who is it aimed at

This initiative was aimed at the over-65 population and included all those who expressed an interest in being involved in the project no matter what their skill level or whether they had limited ability due to age-related conditions. The project was also undertaken by residents of Borris Lodge Nursing Home.

3 Steps critical to success

1. Communication: The close communication between Borris Lacemakers and the artists involved in the project was crucial to the success of the project. The lacemakers had the skills and ability to create Borris lace pieces, and the artists had the vision to adapt and modify these techniques in order to make them accessible for all no matter how limited their ability.
2. Commitment: The willingness of the participants to take part in the project and to see it through to its conclusion. The commitment and dedication shown by all involved in the project were paramount to the success of the project and were evident in the exhibition of work displayed at the launch.
3. Funding and Resources: Borris Lacemakers would not have the resources to undertake a project of this scale, yet it is projects such as this that ultimately ensure the future of Borris Lace by bringing it to a wider audience than would otherwise be possible.
   The funding from Creative Ireland and the EU Craft Hub made for a quality project and this was evident in the beautifully designed, comprehensive packs which were sent out to participants.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. The project took place during the Coronavirus pandemic making it difficult for meetings to take place between Borris Lacemakers and the artists. This was circumvented by Zoom meetings.
2. The designs, patterns, and techniques of Borris lacemaking had to be adapted and modified to suit the needs and abilities of the participants involved.
3. Physical interaction and involvement were severely limited by lockdown restrictions. The minutely detailed instructions and guidance provided within each pack helped to minimize the lack of hands-on involvement provided to participants. Mid way through the project there were requests from some participants to learn the more intricate skills of Borris Lacemaking and and instructional video was produced.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. 30 people signed up for the project including residents of Borris Lodge Nursing Home. This project brought Borris Lace to a wide audience and offered many the opportunity to learn the skills and techniques involved in lacemaking who may not otherwise have had an opportunity to do so.
2. The feedback from the project showed that the structure of this initiative made for a very positive experience on the part of the recipients, the beautifully presented parcels were a highlight during lockdown and the contents inspired participants to create their own unique and original pieces from the materials provided.
3. The success of this project inspired the Borris Lace Exchange Project which is currently ongoing. This project is funded by Creative Ireland and the EU Craft Hub and is also part of the Creativity in Older Age scheme.