The "Spinning Yarns" project is a vibrant celebration of Belfast’s rich cultural history and the untold stories of its people, brought to life through collaborative community art. Over several workshops, participants from diverse groups explored local legends, cherished memories, and everyday heroes, drawing inspiration from iconic figures, historical events, and personal connections. Through innovative techniques such as punch needle embroidery, mixed media collage, fabric painting, and digital art, participants created unique pieces that captured the spirit of their shared heritage. The project aimed to foster creativity, strengthen community bonds, and preserve Belfast’s collective memory by giving participants the tools to weave their own stories into the fabric of the city’s legacy. From nostalgic depictions of Mickey Marley’s Roundabout to the floral vibrancy of William Conor’s flower sellers, and from shopfronts brimming with personal history to the remarkable tale of Sheila the elephant, "Spinning Yarns" culminated in a collection of artworks that celebrated identity, resilience, and the power of storytelling.
Carlisle Day Centre
The "Spinning Yarns" project brought to life the cherished memory of Mickey Marley's Roundabout, a beloved icon of Belfast's streets during the mid-20th century. Born in the Markets area and later residing on the Grosvenor Road in West Belfast. Mickey’s
roundabout was a carousel featuring hobby horses, elephants and miniature motorcars. This vibrant attraction was drawn by his faithful horse, Joey, as they traversed the streets of Belfast, bringing joy to countless children. Mickey's roundabout became a symbol of community spirit, often seen in areas like High Street at Cornmarket during the 1970s. His dedication to entertaining the youth of Belfast was so profound that even when some children couldn't afford the penny fare, he would let them ride for free, ensuring no child was left out of the fun. The roundabout's significance in Belfast's cultural history is further immortalized by the song "Mickey Marley's Roundabout," written by Seamus Robinson and popularized by the band Barnbrack.
Drawing inspiration from stories and memories, the project explored the nostalgia and joy this traveling carousel brought to generations of local children. Participants from Carlisle Day Centre collaborated with artists to create a vibrant mixed media piece that captured the whimsy and warmth of Mickey Marley's horse-drawn roundabout. Through painting, marbling, collage and storytelling, the artwork pays homage to the magic of childhood rides and the enduring legacy of Mickey Marley, weaving together personal reflections and community heritage into a captivating tribute to Mickey whose legacy lives on in the hearts of many.
Families Beyond Conflict
As part of the "Spinning Yarns" project, Families Beyond Conflict delved into the rich visual legacy of William Conor, born in Fortingale Street, Belfast. A renowned Irish painter celebrated for his evocative depictions of working-class life in Ulster. Inspired by Conor’s paintings of flower sellers, the participants explored innovative techniques to reimagine this theme through a modern creative lens. Using the meticulous craft of punch needle, they created vibrant floral designs, which they combined with intricate felting and fabric painting to bring their blooms to life. Immersing themselves in the spirit of Conor’s work, the women also dressed as flower sellers, embodying the resilience and charm of these historic local figures. The final masterpiece—a creative digital collage—seamlessly fused photographs of the participants with their handcrafted flowers, situating them in a striking tableau in front of Belfast’s iconic City Hall. This layered and textured piece celebrates both the legacy of William Conor and the creative voices of contemporary women, weaving past and present into a vivid tapestry of art and identity.
Newington Day Centre
As part of the "Spinning Yarns" participants from Newington Day Centre embarked on a creative journey to celebrate Belfast's rich tapestry of local legends and cherished community figures. Through personal narratives, they identified iconic establishments and individuals who left a mark on their lives. This collective storytelling inspired the creation of intricate 3D mixed media collages, each depicting a beloved storefront from Belfast's past.
One such homage was to O'Hara's Bakery, a family-run establishment founded in 1906 on Shankill Road. Known for its warm, freshly baked goods, O'Hara's became a cornerstone of the community, symbolizing comfort and tradition. Another piece celebrated local boxing clubs, inspired by the legendary trainer Gerry Storey MBE. Born in 1936, Storey dedicated his life to coaching boxers of all backgrounds, fostering unity during Belfast's tumultuous times. His commitment to the sport and community earned him the Laureus Sport for Good Award in 2005.
The project also featured a dressmaker's shop, inspired by a participant's mother who was a skilled seamstress, and Top Shop Sweets Store, reflecting another participant's family-owned local sweet shop. These personal connections added depth and authenticity to the collages, bridging past and present through shared memories.
By merging personal stories with artistic expression, the Newington Day Centre participants crafted a vibrant tribute to Belfast's communal heritage, ensuring that the tales of local legends continue to inspire future generations.
New Lodge Arts
As part of the "Spinning Yarns" project, the New Lodge Arts women’s group took inspiration from the remarkable story of Sheila the elephant and Denise Weston Austin during World War II, an enduring tale of compassion and ingenuity in Belfast’s history. Sheila, a young elephant at Bellevue Zoo, was safeguarded during air raids by Denise, a zookeeper who secretly brought her into her own backyard for protection from the bombings. This extraordinary bond between woman and animal became a symbol of resilience and care during turbulent times.
In addition to Sheila’s story, some participants chose to create works inspired by animals that held personal meaning to them, reflecting their own identities, memories, or emotional connections. These unique pieces ranged …. symbolizing freedom, …… representing companionship, and other animals tied to childhood or family traditions. The women explored the intricate technique of punch needle embroidery, crafting individual framed pieces that depicted which became a vibrant showcase of personal expression, blending shared history with individual narratives. Through this process, the women celebrated the diverse ways animals enrich our lives while contributing their own creative voices to a collective story.
The textured artworks celebrate the strength of the human-animal connection and the enduring power of small acts of kindness. Through these vibrant and tactile creations, the women honoured a unique chapter of Belfast’s wartime history while developing their own artistic skills and storytelling abilities.
Check out the artwork here
