Discover the story of the kilt and get hands-on with traditional pleating technique in this two hour workshop
Discover the story of the kilt - from it's origins to the people keeping the tradition alive today.
Explore the history of tartan and kilt, and see textile examples from our museum collections. Meet our in-house weavers to learn about the process of creating the fabric and have a go at traditional pleating techniques.
We'll be joined by Brad from Harris Kilt Company, Ireland’s only dedicated kilt makers, based on Sandy Row in Belfast. Founded by Grahame Harris in 2017, the company specialises in both traditional and contemporary Highland dress. They work closely with Scotland’s leading mills and are passionate about keeping the craft of kilt-making alive here in Northern Ireland, while also creating new tartans that tell local stories.
Harris Kilt’s kilt maker Brad will be leading on the hands-on pleating activity.
With 13 years’ experience, he learned the craft from a third generation Scottish kilt maker named Morag, and has since made kilts for a wide range of customers. Brad has lived in Northern Ireland on and off for the past six years and brings a wealth of practical, hands-on knowledge to the workshop.
This event is part of Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Leid and Lairn Festival, a celebration of the rich language, culture and history of the Ulster-Scots tradition.
