Restoration and Redesign: A Circular System Economy for a Coastal Community

The relationship between land, sea, and society was recently explored in the 2023 project Restoration and Redesign: A Circular System Economy for a Coastal Community [AH/Y000226/1]. This initiative was a Design Exchange Partnership (DEP), funded by the Arts, Humanities and Research Council (AHRC). Using a participatory action research approach, the researchers collaborated with Mourne Textiles, an SME that had recently discovered spinning machinery in a derelict mill. Restoring this machinery required rediscovering the heritage skills that were once widespread in the community. This effort emphasised the importance of a resilient supply chain and a circular system economy for the coastal community in the Mourne and Newry district of Northern Ireland. This machinery reflects Northern Ireland's rich textile heritage, once known as "Linenopolis" due to its vast linen production.

Engaging with the local community to capture textile stories and with key stakeholders, including the textile community, fibre producers, spinners, engineers, crafters, and designers at each stage of the research revealed the deep connection between land, sea, and society. The wider diaspora, with a sense of belonging and interest in place-based design, engaged through a ‘call for skills’ and crowdfunding project to support the restoration of the machinery.

The research explored how empowering communities through material culture and heritage can address critical issues like climate change and wealth inequality. This participatory process uncovered a renewed interest in local heritage, the regenerative nature of the spinning process, and its potential to spur economic growth, employment, and craft tourism. As Burgess (2019) noted, “textile cultures by their very design are durable and resilient."