View a new exhibition developed for Bealtaine 2023 by artist Mags Duffy. ‘The Hand Remembers’ depicts stories told through illustration, the making of objects, voice, drawing, stitching and sewing. It is on display from 9 May in the Courtyard Gallery (next to the café) at the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life. It was inspired by the artist’s interest in the intrinsic link between the act of making with our hands and the telling of stories. The artist engaged and collaborated creatively with traditional craftspeople and makers in bringing the exhibition together, from spinning yarn and lobster pot making to willow weaving and embroidery.

“During lockdown we became increasingly isolated, both physically and mentally, and our lives came to rely more and more on technology. We were denied the basic human need to touch and communicate face to face. When restrictions were lifted, we had to give ourselves permission to sit down side by side again. I wanted to spend time with people, learning to make things by hand, and to listen to their stories.” – Mags Duffy.

‘The Hand Remembers’ is the artists’ interpretation of that journey.

Contact: countrylife@museum.ie