Friday 31 May 2013

Ferryquay Gate


A road winds up from the River Foyle to Ferryquay Gate, one of the original entrances to the city.  The subtle use of colour in the design draws us towards the gate, through the arch and beyond, to the diamond in the distance.


Wednesday 29 May 2013

First Derry Church


First Derry Presbyterian Church is located within Derry walls.  This design features the church facade with columns and Dungiven sandstone cornice.  Working with blues and purples for the steps and shadows the sandstone shades of the columns and capitals are nicely complemented.

Friday 24 May 2013

Round Tower


A round tower is an iconic image of Ireland.  Seventy five round towers still stand in Ireland today. Constructed primarily in the 10th to 12th century, they are never found independent of a monastic enclosure. This tapestry design, in its simplicity, depicts the tall, circular, tapering structure with a conical roof.  The round tower is located in a meadow of wild flowers and set against a cobalt sky.

Wednesday 22 May 2013

The Promise Chalice Tapestry Design


The Promise Chalice and paten was a gift sent to Londonderry in 1613 by the Honourable The Irish Society.  The gift represented a promise to build a cathedral for the people of the city.  The chalice is still used today for special Holy communion services at St Columb's Cathedral.  In our design the gilt and silver chalice and paten are set against a background of bright colour suggesting stained glass windows.  The Cathedral's battlements are referenced as a border to the design.

Monday 20 May 2013

The Peace Bridge Tapestry Design


This design for the Peace Bridge was the first to be created. Inspiration came from childhood memories of Derry: of steep hills running down to the river and of roads winding under arches, through gates and around walls.  This theme of winding roads and encircling walls is echoed in the iconic sweep of the Peace Bridge and was used for the first in our series of seven tapestry designs.  The tapestry will be worked in shades of blue, the colour of peace.  The bridge is alluded to by off-setting dark and light to create the elegant curves.  A flash of orange-yellow represents the base of the pylons and plays against the blues to help the tapestry sing. Colmcille/Columba  is represented as the Dove of the Church flying over the bridge and so completes the theme of 'Peace' for this tapestry.

Friday 10 May 2013

Design Preview 2


Designs 4, 5 and 6 for The Derry Weave at St Augustine's, reflecting the City's architecture: the buildings, walls and gates.


Monday 6 May 2013

Design preview


A sneaky peak at the first three designs for The Derry Weave at St Augustine's - The Peace Bridge, Long Tower and The Promise Chalice