Crochet crew create model of Round Tower in Clondalkin

REIMAGINING the Round Tower of Clondalkin, crochet makers banded together to create a model of the medieval structure out of copper wire, stainless steel, and fine thread crochet lace squares.

‘Threading the Tower – reimagining the Clondalkin Round Tower’ is an initiative that is the brainchild of Rosaleen Dwyer, South Dublin County Council Heritage Officer, and the Irish Crochet Revival group.

Gaining help from local crochet makers from Clondalkin and in conjunction with lace artist Fiona Harrington, the 1.5m high model of the Round Tower was launched as part of National Heritage Week.

An engaging cultural heritage project, a launch night was held in Clondalkin Library on Wednesday, August 16.

A key element of the project was the involvement of the wider Clondalkin crochet community.

The re-imagined Round Tower on display in Clondalkin Library

This included involving descendants of the local women who designed and made crochet for the haute couture gowns of renowned fashion designer Sybil Connolly in the 1950s and ’60s.

Some 35 women made and submitted square motifs for inclusion in the 1.5m tall model, with pieces arriving from all over the world.

While there were contributions from crocheters around Ireland, in Dublin, Westmeath, Kildare, Offaly and Cork – there was also contributors from as far as Britain and Canada.

The model of the medieval structure is made out of copper wire, stainless steel and fine thread crochet lace squares

The unique project was funded by the Creative Ireland programme, a government initiative set up to promote participation in cultural and creative activities, and South Dublin County Council.

Clondalkin Library will be home to the Crochet Tower up until the middle of September, which at that point it will begin a tour of the county visiting the different libraries of South Dublin County.

“I am only all too well aware of the range of skills and talents in the Clondalkin community, and of the pride that this community has in its own identity and in its local area,” Cllr Francis Timmons, who was deputising for the Mayor at the launch, said.

“Women’s history is really only recently getting the profile it has long deserved, and the group behind [the] project, the Irish Crochet Lace Revival, has been working over the last few years to help change that.

“This project is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate just one of the many skills and talents that exist not only here in Clondalkin, but in the wider community of women in Dublin and far beyond.

He added: “This ‘reimagined’ tower will present a new and a very different perspective of the medieval Round Tower which has been a backdrop to the lives of Clondalkin people for many generations.”