The new year began with a packed calendar at The Linen Hall, bringing together art, literature, history, and thought-provoking discussions.

The Winter Exhibition with Antrim Art Club transformed our space with a vibrant display of local talent. Visitors enjoyed a diverse collection of landscapes, portraits, and abstract pieces, with many artworks finding new homes. We look forward to welcoming these talented artists back in the future.

Our Andrew Gibson Memorial Lecture drew a great crowd as Dr Jennifer Orr explored the poetic influence of Edinburgh’s Robert Fergusson on Ulster poets James Orr and Samuel Thomson. The event marked the 10th year of this popular lecture and celebrated Ulster’s literary links with Scotland.

January also saw an important discussion on mother and baby institutions and Magdalene laundries, led by Professor Sean O’Connell, co-chair of the Truth Recovery Independent Panel.mHH The discussion focussed on the panel’s approach to the testimonies of victims-survivors and its work in laying the foundations for a future public inquiry.

For Holocaust Memorial Day, Noel Russell gave a powerful talk on The Saved and the Spurned: Northern Ireland, Vienna and the Holocaust. His research uncovered the little-known story of Jewish refugees who sought safety in Northern Ireland in 1938 under a Stormont employment scheme. Some were granted entry, while over 125 others were denied and were later murdered in the Holocaust.

Folklore expert Róise Ní Bhaoill gave a wonderful account of the traditions and rituals associated with Imbolc. There was lively discussion in the packed room around Brigid, the Celtic deity and the saint, and around the ways in which this great Celtic festival has been and is celebrated.

Beyond events, The Linen Hall has been buzzing with activity. Irish and Italian language courses welcomed new learners, and our long-running book clubs returned for another season. A new weekly political collection tour was launched, giving visitors a closer look at some of the most significant documents and artefacts in our archives.

A huge thank you to all our speakers, funders and audiences who help us to make The Linen Hall a thriving space for culture and learning.

To support our work and become a member, visit our membership page.