ULSTER FOLK MUSEUM

This is the first of a few blog entries documenting recent research and inspiration journeys. Last week I was asked to talk about my crafts business practice and development at a CRAFT NI session for emerging makers, whilst there for two days, I visited about a weeks worth of sights, museums, studio's and galleries. This was the first; Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, a cluster of original cottages, shops, workshops and farmland preserved in time. I felt like Dr Who, going back 100 years and visiting weavers in their cottages, shoe makers with their lasts, farmers, cooks and home workers. The emphasis was on craft and the message was one of localization, sustainability and self sufficiency. Though life was hard, there is definitely something to be said for the skills, community, quality, colour and provenance on display here.