As part of Aleana Egan’s public programme, Void Gallery are excited to welcome Sebastian Graham to give an online talk that will illustrate the rise of the textile industry in Derry. Sebastian will look explore some of the important sites in the city and local area.

Sebastian Graham lives and works in Cookstown, Co. Tyrone. He has been studying and researching mills since 2014 and has created a website where it is possible to discover the history and ownership of over 4000 mills across Northern Ireland. He currently works for Ulster Architectural Heritage as a Heritage Project Officer. Recent research has focused on the collective memory of flax scutchers* throughout Ulster. This included comparing stories, poems and archive footage of scutchers and exploring links around the province.

Sebastian is currently mapping out the mills for the rest of Ireland and is always interested in listening to stories and memories of those who worked in the mills and factories across the country.

You can visit Sebastian’s website http://www.millsofnorthernireland.com for more information.

*A scutcher works in a flax mill, processing the flax plant in preparation to make linen.

Book your tickets here for this online talk.

Image: Carrydarragh Flax Mill, Co. Derry. Photo by Sebastian Graham