Newry.ie

May 13, 2023

A Rostrevor based textile company has started a Crowdfunder campaign today, their mission being to restore vintage flax processing and spinning equipment, to create a sustainable circular supply chain in Ireland.

A third generation family run business, established in 1949 by textile pioneer Gerd Hay-Edie it is now championed by Mario Sierra and his team.

Mourne Textiles was founded in the foothills of the Mourne Mountains by the current owners grandmother, Norwegian textile designer, Gerd Hay-Edie. Her iconic textile designs and pioneering weaving techniques became a staple of mid-century British design and collaborations with Robin Day, Hille and Conran, established her lasting influence upon the world of weaving.

The Mourne Textiles legacy continues from the original mill in Rostrevor. Today, they connect the designs of the past with modern influences, to create a collection of luxury home furnishing fabrics, cushions, blankets and scarves.

The 'Fibre to Fabric' project is aimed at not only preserving but bringing to life the exceptional heritage of the Northern Ireland textile industry. A spokesperson for Mourne Textiles said "We believe in a green and sustainable future, where innovation meets tradition and tradition informs innovation. Join us in restoring vintage flax processing and spinning equipment and reviving the full natural fibre manufacturing process. Let's celebrate and learn from our shared history while creating a new industry that is sustainable, non-polluting, and fit for the 21st century."

Their mission is to develop a new net-zero raw material supply chain for high-value manufacturing industries, rejuvenating equipment, and technology to deliver that based on their shared history. They plan to locate and learn from those who worked in the industry, celebrating and recording these skills. By logging and learning from their shared history, they plan to create new wealth and valuable skills for generations to come.

The spokesperson added "Our project has tremendous historical value to Northern Ireland and the textile industry, and we need your support to make it a reality. Join us in celebrating our heritage and shaping a brighter future through the power of textiles, 'Fibre to Fabric'. "

The Crowdfunder campaign has a target of £30,000 and has many rewards offered for certain donations.

The website explains "In collaboration with local farmers at Mallon Linen, we aim to promote sustainable fabric production here on the Island of Ireland, by creating a field-to-fabric circular supply chain. Our focus is on producing environmentally friendly fabrics grown and processed locally.

"To achieve this, we plan to restore the flax processing and spinning equipment, which is the missing piece in the supply chain. Our machines are from renowned textile brands, Mackies, and Combe Barbour, which are synonymous with the Northern Irish Linen Industry.

"But we don't stop there! We have also obtained an industrial power loom to produce narrow-width linen and selvedge denim. This Atherton loom is a recognised textile brand that we are excited to restore to create sustainable Irish denim - truly promoting our heritage and craftsmanship.

"The second phase of our project is to train a new workforce to operate the restored machines and open up the 'Micro Spinning Mill' as a working museum. This will enable visitors to learn about the production techniques used in the past and see the production process first-hand. Our goal is to promote our Irish heritage, craftsmanship and develop a sustainable future for textile production in Ireland."

Check out and support the Crowdfunder campaign at www.crowdfunder.co.uk

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