HISTORY: TEXTILES

Title: Where Are They?
Object Name: Wall Hanging
Maker: MacWilliam, Irene (Primary maker)
MacWilliam, Irene (maker)
Date Made: 2019
2019
Place Made: Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Description: Irene MacWilliam created this piece to draw attention to the global issue of people 'being disappeared' in many countries. In Northern Ireland, the 'disappeared' were those killed and buried in secret by paramiliatary organisations. Sixteen cases of 'disappearance' have been officially recorded by a governmental enquiry, and CAIN have identified 25 cases.
Materials: cotton
Date Collected: 2022
2022
Catalogue Number: BELUM.W2023.3.1
Copyright: © Conflict Textiles, Photograph by Irene MacWilliam.

National Museums NI holds over a million objects in the collection, as well as this we manage the records and associated images for each object through a working database. The national collection has been almost 200 years in the making, and we recognise that thinking about collecting and collections has evolved over this time and continues to evolve. As a result, some of our records may contain language and views that we now consider offensive and unacceptable, for example, reflecting racist attitudes. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to reviewing and updating our records accordingly. Working with researchers, communities and academic partners we are learning more about the stories behind objects, and we are committed to sharing these with our audiences. We welcome feedback. Please email [email protected]