Mourne Textiles, based at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, creates more than just fabric – it forges a connection between landscape, tradition, and craftsmanship. For over 70 years, this family-run workshop has prioritised sustainable, small-scale production, resisting mass consumerism by embracing natural fibres and responsible craftsmanship.
Words by Christiana Boules. Photography by Chad Alexander.
The surrounding natural environment serves as both the inspiration and guide for Mourne Textiles. “When you look out the windows, you just have the texture and colours of the Mournes right in front of you,” Mario Sierra explains. The fabric designs mirror the shifting hues of the Irish landscape – autumnal heathers, granite greys, and the occasional vibrant fuchsia – offering a tactile and visual connection to nature.
This approach extends beyond aesthetics. Mourne’s use of natural fibres reflects the workshop’s philosophy of working in harmony with the environment. “We're surrounded by nature; it seems crazy to weave with a fibre that then won't be able to be absorbed back into nature,” Mario reflects. Wool, linen, cashmere, and silk ensure the textiles remain part of the natural cycle, embodying a sense of environmental stewardship.
Mourne Textiles’ commitment to natural fibres underscores its broader philosophy of sustainability. For their rugs and wall hangings, the wool is directly sourced from local farmers – like Freda Magill, who raises rare breed sheep. This transparency, from the origin of the fibre to the finished textile, fosters a deep sense of responsibility towards both the craft and the environment. By using hand-operated and shuttle looms, the workshop maintains flexibility and minimises waste, weaving each piece in small, carefully crafted batches.
Beyond sustainability, Mourne encourages consumers to view textiles as lasting, meaningful objects. “Our piece will be there for a long time, literally until it dissolves,” says Mario, emphasising the importance of durability and longevity.
Mourne Textiles produces scarves, blankets, and rugs designed to age gracefully, becoming integral to the lives of those who use them. In recognition of the inevitable wear that occurs over time, the workshop provides ‘first aid kits’ to help customers repair their items. “If people have to mend their blanket, that mend becomes part of the story,” Mario notes. These kits reflect the brand’s care for each product as being part of an ongoing, family narrative.
For Mourne, the depth and character of each textile are born from traditional, smaller-scale production techniques. “I suppose the biggest signature element is the depth of the colour because of the texture of the yarns and the different yarn weights next to each other. You get real depth in the colour where it's not just the colour of the yarn, but the colour in the shadows of the yarn,” Mario explains. This results in rich, layered textures and hues that evolve with time, much like the workshop itself. Passed down through three generations, it remains rooted in reproductions of Mario’s grandmother’s archived designs, while continuing to evolve and breathe new life into time-honoured traditions.
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