THE DUN EMER INDUSTRIES

A wish to find work for Irish hands in the making of beautiful things was the beginning of Dun Emer.

In the Autumn of I902 a house on the side of the mountain near Dundrum was taken; and with village girls as workers three distinct industries were started. These are the printing of books by hand, embroidery on Irish linen and the weaving of tapestry & carpets. Book-binding will soon be added.

The idea is to make beautiful things; this, of course, means materials honest and true & the application to them of deftness of hand, brightness of colour, and cleverness of design.

Everything as far as possible, is Irish: the paper of the books, the linen of the embroidery and the wool of the tapestry and carpets. The designs are also of the spirit and tradition of the country.

The education of the work-girls is also part of the idea, they are taught to paint & their brains and fingers are made more active and understanding; some of them, we hope, will become teachers to others, so that similar industries may spread through the land.

Things made of pure materials, worked by these Irish girls must be more lasting and more valuable than machine-made goods which only serve a temporary purpose. All the things made at Dun Emer are beautiful in the sense that they are instinct with individual feeling and have cost thought and care.

There is no limit to the number and kind of things that could be well made in Ireland if designers and workers could depend upon a certain market. It is indisputable that the talent for artistic hand-work is widely spread amidst the Irish people.

The Dun Emer Industries have been working now for over a year; and they have been well supported by friends and strangers. Ecclesiastical art-work has until now been mainly supplied from Continental work-shops; and it is with great satisfaction that we record the support given to us by a large order from Loughrea Cathedral, where embroidered banners from Dun Emer depicting Irish saints can now be seen. The embroidery is in the mediaeval style which was revived by William Morris. It is worked from original designs supplied by well-known artists, and carries with it a note of individuality and distinction, and is applicable to Church banners, vestments and altar cloths; to hangings, cushions, and other decorative purposes.

The tapestry and carpets are equally suitable for decoration, and use in churches; some are at present being made for this purpose.

Tapestry has been called by William Morris 'The noblest of the weaving arts, being nearly as permanent as mosaic & as beautiful as painting'. That of Dun Emer is of the 'haute lisse' kind and is worked from designs by Irish artists; it is used for curtains, panels, screens and furniture coverings. The carpets are made in the oriental manner on up-right looms, and are hand tufted, and the material used is the best Irish wool dyed in fast colours. These carpets are quite unlike any hitherto made, being conspicuously Irish and new in design.

The first two books issued by the Dun Emer Press are now scattered over the world, and have given pleasure to our country people in America and at home and to strangers interested in the art of hand printing. The printing heretofore has been concerned with the issue of works of genius; the high standard reached by the first two books will be maintained.

Bookplates as special orders are also undertaken.

Those who receive this circular are invited to see the work. Dun Emer is in the county of Dublin, Ireland, ten minutes walk from Dundrum station.

Visitors day&emdash;the first Thursday in every month from three to five o'clock; other days by appointment.