Conservation Of Original Irish Women Workers Union Banner (Supported by the Heritage Council)
The Irish Labour History Society is pleased to announce that conservation work on an original Irish Women Workers Union banner has recently been completed, with the support of the Heritage Council under their 2024 Community Heritage Grant Scheme.
Evelyn Gleeson, director of the Dun Emer Guild, was commissioned by the Irish Women Workers Union to produce a banner for the Union circa 1919. It was subsequently repaired by the Dun Emer Guild in the 1950s according to records.
The front of this polychrome embroidered silk thread banner (on a blue cotton ground) has St Brigid with crozier as the central figure along with oak leaf and Kildare cathedral. It is embroidered with the words, ‘Cumann Ban-Oibre’ and ‘Eireann’ above and below. The reverse is embroidered with a crossed torch and distaff and the words, ‘Irish Women’s Workers Union’ above and ‘Gulala le Guglalainn ni Claifeari Sinn’ below.
As can be seen clearly in the image below (provided by and copyright of conservator Rachel Phelan), the banner was in poor condition prior to this conservation project.
Following extensive treatment work and following best conservation practice, both sides of the banner were cleaned, humidified and the abraded lettering and other elements were realigned and stitch supported as necessary. The ropes and tassels were consolidated throughout, as were the open section of seam.
This conservation project, supported by the Heritage Council, ensures that this historic trade union banner is no longer at grave risk of further deterioration. The Society plans to place it on public display, in suitable conditions under glass, in the coming weeks at our premises in Beggars Bush once a suitable frame or case is obtained to ensure it continues to be conserved for future generations.
The Society would like to acknowledge the support of the Heritage Council towards this important project.
We also would like to thank conservator Rachel Phelan, museum curator Paul Doyle and Dublin City Council Heritage Officer Charles Duggan for their assistance and support with this project.
