Meredith Ireland has used her passion to help Northern Tasmania’s design and craft community grow.
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Ireland started her weaving and textiles label, Old Franklin, two years ago, after graduating from art and design studies at university.
“I think because it’s methodical I can predict what I’m going to create,” Ireland said.
“Whereas with other art forms, I found that very different.
“I also just love the beautiful textures and colours of textiles.”
Through weaving, she makes wall hangings, scarves, and rugs.
She uses small and large, floor-sized looms that are made by Launceston carpenters.
It is an artform that has been with her since a young age.
“I was quite young when I started textiles at Tafe, I was 11,” she said.
“I went through and finished, and started at university, which I completed when I was about 15 or 16.”
“People usually have fond memories of textiles.”
- Meredith Ireland, Old Franklin
As well as start her own business, Ireland said that she realised she wanted to do more with her qualifications.
She begun teaching weaving to others.
Now, she leads a workshop every month or so.
“It’s really, really good feedback from all the participants,” she said.
I think people surprise themselves, with how well they do, because it does sometimes quite technical but so quickly, they pick it up.
“I’ve had repeat students, and people drop by the shop to ask for advice. It’s a really nice community feeling.
“It’s just a really fun, relaxed class. It’s a mix of ages. A lot of people say that they did it in primary school of they remember their grandmother doing it, but they never got around to following it up
“People usually have fond memories of textiles.”
Last year, Ireland took a further step into the craft world, and opened Town House Gallery in Launceston’s Brisbane Street.
She used the gallery as a space to showcase and support emerging artists and designers in Tasmania.
“I noticed that there wasn’t much presence in the North, when I started, for makers, and I really want to help begin that and grow that here,” she said.
“Everything is Tasmanian made. It is mostly textiles, but there is also a lot of paintings, illustrations, and a few jewellery pieces as well.
“Every now and then I run a pop-up shop and I’ve had some fantastic makers through there.
“I get fantastic feedback that I can then pass on to the makers. It allows me to showcase a lot of very new and upcoming artists. Sometimes this is the first venue to display their work.”
Ireland will run two weaving workshops next month: on April 21, and 22. Contact Town House Gallery on 0400 602 121 for information, or visit www.townhousegallery.com.au