Temporary Exhibitions

Artefacts from Kilkeel Knitting Mills go on display at Newry and Mourne Museum

An important collection of artefacts reflecting the work of the Kilkeel Knitting Mills have gone on display at Newry and Mourne Museum. These include a knitting machine and examples of knitwear produced by the factory in the later decades of the 20th century.

Kilkeel Knitting Mills was established by Edith and Kurt Sekules in 1950. Before World War II the Sekules family had been part of the Jewish community in Vienna and settled in Northern Ireland in 1947 after having spent the Second World War in detention camps in Russia.

During the 1950s and 1960s the business continued to expand, developing an international customer base. The factory began by making Argyle socks but went on to knit tartan hose worn by pipe bands and, from 1957, cashmere and Aran sweaters. In the 1980s, Edith and Kurt’s son Walter became more involved in the business. After the deaths of his parents, Walter continued to run the factory until it eventually closed in the autumn of 2022. He passed away in July 2023.

Artefacts donated to the Museum by Walter Sekules at the time of the factory’s closure include a knitting machine used when the factory opened in 1950, which was still in use in 2022, a wages book from the 1950s and various socks and sweaters. Of particular significance is a cardigan worn by Edith Sekules at her Golden Wedding anniversary celebrations in 1986. This was one of five designs by Irish designer Paul Costelloe, produced by Kilkeel Knitting Mills. As personal designer to Diana, the late Princess of Wales, a cardigan from the range made at Kilkeel was worn by Diana in the same year.

The knitting machine from Kilkeel Knitting Mills is on permanent display while the knitwear is on display until June 2024.

Slices of History: Memories of McCann’s Bakery

The latest temporary exhibition ‘Slices of History: Memories of McCann’s Bakery’, looks at the Bakery’s long history going back to its establishment in 1837. On display are a wide range of items such as a breadman’s jacket, recipes, brochures, and bread making equipment, all of which will bring back fond memories.

It highlights how the company was a part of the fabric of Newry and Mourne society, providing a much-needed service in the community, especially at a time before cars and buses were commonplace. The company also provided employment for many in the area, especially in difficult periods.

Accompanying the exhibition is a booklet of edited transcriptions from conversations that were recorded by Newry and Mourne Museum during reminiscence evenings with the former employees of McCann’s Bakery including the manager, office workers, mechanics and of course, bakers and breadmen. The booklet focuses on their memories of what life was like in the bakery.

The exhibition is open to the public free of charge until August 2024.

Newry Artists Past and Present

This exhibition celebrates the works of talented artists who hail from Newry or who have found inspiration in the local area.

This exhibition features a collection of fine and applied art, including sculptures, dating from the late 19th century up until the present, and offers a unique opportunity to explore artworks from the Museum Collection that are not typically on display.

At the core of this display is the exploration of how these remarkable artists have utilised their skills to respond to the local landscape, the areas rich history and significant social and political events. In addition to the Museum’s own collection, the exhibition includes several works on loan and exciting new additions, including contemporary and abstract pieces.

The exhibition features the works of esteemed artists such as John Nixon, Margaret Clarke, Colin Turner, John Haugh, John Bannon, Cora Harrington, Sean Hillen, Greag Mac a' tSaoir, Anna-Marie Savage and Russell Reid. Their exceptional talents will undoubtedly captivate visitors.

The exhibition is housed in Gallery Three of the Museum and is open to the public free of charge until 27 April 2024.

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Gel Plate Printing at Down County Museum

Downpatrick

Address

The Mall, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4014

downartscentre@nmandd.org

Price
Price £60.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

In this workshop you will explore a range of mark-making and print-making processes when printing by hand and using a gel-plate. Using botanicals, stencils and some found object patterns, you will create a series of unique collage works. A frame…

Dates

Price
Price £60.00 Per Ticket

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Plants, People and Places in the 18th Century: A talk for the curious and interested

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4252

amy.button@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Talks/Lectures

Join Dr Vicky Pickering, guest speaker from the Natural History Museum in London, in Down County Museum, as she discusses the fascinating stories behind the 'vegetable substances' on display in the new British Museum touring exhibition, 'For the…

Dates

Price
Free

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Mono Printing Workshop

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, The Mall, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4014

downartscentre@nmandd.org

Price
Price £55.00 to £60.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

Mono Printing - create some painterly prints using different techniques guided by printmaker Karen Daye-Hutchinson ARE. Explore additional detail layering using Drypoint and other combinations of hybrid print.

Dates

Price
Price £55.00 to £60.00 Per Ticket

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Accessibility
- All areas accessible to disabled visitors
Create a Hand Stitched and Dyed Leather Satchel at Down County Museum

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, The Mall, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44(0)3301374014

downartscentre@nmandd.org

Price
Price £135.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

Leather Satchel Workshop

Dates

Price
Price £135.00 Per Ticket

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Accessibility
- All areas accessible to disabled visitors
Down County Museum Showcase: Belinda Loftus Collection

Downpatrick

Address

Down Arts Centre, 2 - 6 Irish Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6BP

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4049

alan.freeburn@nmandd.org

Type

Type:

Exhibition

Belinda Loftus is a local artist who uses a wide range of media and styles to explore the natural environment, ancient history and myths, political events past and present, and the impact of high finance and artificial intelligence.

Dates

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The 1803 Rebellion: Sites Associated with Thomas Russell, Bus Tour with Linda McKenna

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, Downpatrick, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44(0) 33 0137 4252

alan.freeburn@nmandd.org

Price
Price £10.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

History

Join Heritage Officer Linda McKenna on a special guided tour to mark the 220th anniversary of Thomas Russell's death.

Dates

Price
Price £10.00 Per Ticket

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Serious Play at Down County Museum

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, The Mall, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44(0)330 137 4049

alan.freeburn@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Exhibition

Down County Museum presents Serious Play, a thought-provoking exhibition featuring the works of Leontia Haldenby and Tom Bevan.

Dates

Price
Free

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Accessibility
- All areas accessible to disabled visitors
Summer Workshops

Newry

Address

Newry and Mourne Museum, Bagenal's Castle, Castle Street, Newry, County Down, BT34 2BY

Telephone
+44(0)330 137 4422

Declan.Carroll@nmandd.org

Price
Price £10.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

Summer Arts and Crafts for Children

Dates

Price
Price £10.00 Per Ticket

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Set for summer! Outdoor games

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, The Mall, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44(0)330 137 4049

museums@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Summer Events

Take on a challenge with our giant Connect 4, Jenga, chess or draughts.

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Highlighting the Heritage in Newry

Newry

Address

Abbey Way, Newry, County Down, BT34 2BY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9055 0213

info@uahs.org.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Talks/Lectures

Explore the architectural heritage of Newry and the history of the Newry Canal. Talks and a walking tour included.

Dates

Price
Free

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Free Viking Handling Sessions

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, Downpatrick, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44(0)330 137 4252

amy.button@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

History

Come to Down County Museum and get hands-on with our Viking replicas.

Dates

Price
Free

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Children's Lego Workshops on Bank Holiday Monday

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, Downpatrick, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44(0)330 137 4252

amy.button@nmandd.org

Price
Price £5.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

Brickz4Kidz are bringing their Lego fun to Down County Museum on August 26th.

Dates

Price
Price £5.00 Per Ticket

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Silver Stacking Rings Workshop

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, The Mall, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4014

downartscentre@nmandd.org

Price
Price £65.00 to £70.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

Spend a day of fun and make a pair of silver stacking rings in Down County Museum, under the guidance of goldsmith Diane Lyness.

Dates

Price
Price £65.00 to £70.00 Per Ticket

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Hans Sloane and Collecting in Modern Ireland: a free talk 'For the curious and interested'

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4252

amy.button@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

History

Join Dr Alice Marples, guest speaker from the British Library, for a fascinating insight into collecting and ideas of nationhood, in a free talk at Down County Museum.

Dates

Price
Free

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Pumpkin Succulent Planters

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, The Mall, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44(0)330 137 4014

downartscentre@nmandd.org

Price
Price £35.00 to £40.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

Pumpkin Succulent Planters Workshop

Dates

Price
Price £35.00 to £40.00 Per Ticket

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Easter Activities at Newry and Mourne Museum

Newry

Address

Newry and Mourne Museum, Bagenal's Castle, Castle Street, Newry, County Down, BT34 2BY

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4422

Declan.Carroll@nmandd.org

Price
Price £2.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Easter Events

Children's arts and crafts for Easter

Dates

Price
Price £2.00 Per Ticket

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Accessibility
- All areas accessible to disabled visitors
For the curious and interested: a British Museum touring exhibition

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4049

museums@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Exhibition

Northern Ireland is the first stop for this exhibition, which reunites items from Sir Hans Sloane's collections, alongside new insights and reflections.

Dates

Price
Free

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Halloween Storytelling for Families at Newry and Mourne Museum

Castle Street, Newry

Address

Newry and Mourne Museum, Bagenal's Castle, Castle Street, Newry, County Down, BT34 2BY

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4422

Declan.Carroll@nmandd.org

Price
Price £2.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Halloween

On Thursday 31 October, join renowned storyteller Janice Witherspoon in Newry and Mourne Museum as she weaves tales of strange goings on, witches, ghosts, and all sorts of fairy folk, there may even be a few surprises too.

Dates

Price
Price £2.00 Per Ticket

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Accessibility
- All areas accessible to disabled visitors
The Taste of Home Twilight Market

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, The Mall, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44 (0)74 6884 3838

shenda@killowendistillery.com

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

The Taste of Home Twilight Market gives your the unique opportunity to sample and buy the best in local produce in the stunning surroundings of Down County Gaol.

Dates

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National Drawing Day

Newry

Address

Newry and Mourne Museum, Bagenal's Castle, Castle Street, Newry, County Down, BT34 2BY

Telephone
+44(0) 330 147 4422

Declan.Carroll@nmandd.org

Price
Price £2.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

History

Drawing workshop for children

Dates

Price
Price £2.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Accessibility
- All areas accessible to disabled visitors