I was touched to be asked to create bespoke Irish Linen decorations to coincide with the reopening of Belfast’s magnificent Grand Opera House in 2021, following its major restoration and a period of closure during the pandemic.
It was wonderful that commissions continued to come in during lockdown, keeping me busy with lovely projects like this one.
The theatre holds many happy memories for me. I’ve been going to shows here since I was a little girl, from pantomimes to performances by world-class touring ballet companies. Whenever our grandmother came along, we’d splash out on a box, making the occasion feel all the more special. It felt particularly special to interpret a little of its magic in Irish Linen.
I created two designs: a detailed miniature of the building’s façade and an elephant head inspired by the theatre’s decorative plasterwork. Both celebrate the architectural details of this Victorian gem, capturing a little of its theatrical grandeur in miniature.
I was surprised by just how much detail we managed to fit into the little building, particularly the lettering, carefully stitched to echo the words on the façade of the real thing. Quite a lot to squeeze into a few centimetres of linen! I come from a family of architects, and this one seemed to meet with their approval too.
A keepsake for anyone with fond memories of an evening at the theatre—and a lovely reminder of the extraordinary building around the stage.
Available from the theatre’s kiosk, and now also from the Royal Society of Ulster Architects’ (RSUA) gift shop.
Katie xox
