Lisburn Historical Society begins new programme

Lilian Dring was admitted to the Royal College of Art at the age of fourteen and graduated as a poster designer in 1929. She was one of the first artists to use fabrics in her art and called herself a Designer/Embroiderer. As a forward thinking person and someone who kept an eye on events at home and abroad, she reflected many of the events and changes of the century through her graphic and textile designs over a period of 60 years. Many of her hangings show her strong community spirit and awareness of environmental and social problems. This was not the only side to her work for, over her long career, she also produced a wide variety of material and commissions, including children’s books, personal cushions, ecclesiastical designs and fabric-house-portraits. Her portrait of Grey’s Court near Henley-on-Thames, now owned by the National Trust, became the official postcard for the property and displayed on the cover of the guide book. Other pieces of her work are displayed in the National Museum of Scotland.

Next month the Society meets on October 3 when Tim Hodkinson, Medieval History and Literature graduate and author of “Lions of the Grail”, will give a talk entitled “The Forgotten Scottish Invasion of Ireland”. In his talk he will describe the key events of the 1315 invasion by Edward Bruce, concentrating on some of the local aspects to Ulster such as the siege of Carrickfergus Castle, the battle of Connor and the final battle of Faughart.