Threads of Imagination Exhibition Opens at dlr LexIcon

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is delighted to present Threads of Imagination, the Biennial Exhibition of the Irish Guild of Embroiderers, on display at dlr LexIcon from 2 September to 4 October 2026. The exhibition celebrates contemporary embroidery and textile art, bringing together a vibrant collection of work created by Guild members from across Ireland and beyond. 
 
The exhibition showcases the diversity and creativity of contemporary embroidery through the use of fabric, colour, thread, fibre, and texture. Working to a brief that allowed complete freedom of subject matter and inspiration, each participating artist has responded with a unique and personal interpretation, resulting in a rich and varied collection of textile artworks. 
 
The Irish Guild of Embroiderers plays an important role in promoting embroidery and textile art as a contemporary creative practice while also celebrating the traditions and heritage of textile making. The Guild welcomes members at all stages of their artistic journey and continues to foster the handmade object as a meaningful form of artistic expression. 
 
Speaking at the exhibition launch, Cllr Barry Saul, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, welcomed the exhibition:
 
“Threads of Imagination highlights the remarkable creativity, skill and dedication of textile artists working in communities across Ireland today. We are proud to support cultural activity across the county and to provide spaces where creativity can be celebrated and shared with the public. Exhibitions like this strengthen community connections and enrich the cultural life of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown”.
 
Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, added:
 
“Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council supports cultural experiences that bring people together and make creativity accessible to everyone. Threads of Imagination offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to discover the skill, innovation and expressive possibilities of contemporary textile art. We look forward to welcoming audiences to dlr LexIcon to enjoy this exhibition.”
 
The exhibition also reflects dlr Libraries’ commitment to supporting artists, makers and cultural organisations and to making creative experiences available to all members of the community.
 
Threads of Imagination: Creative Embroidery and Textile Art Exhibition by the Irish Guild of Embroiderers runs from Wednesday 2 September to Sunday 4 October 2026 at Level 3, dlr LexIcon. 
 
Admission is free and all are welcome. 

Read more about the The Irish Guild of Embroiderers