Tenters

2 layer screenprint on calico.
The inspiration for this piece is the part of the Liberties in Dublin 8 known as ‘Tenters’. It has this name because in the 16/1700s this area was home to ‘tenterfields’, which were part of the area’s wool, silk and poplin weaving industry. Tenterfields were fields in which the fabric was stretched out to dry in the sun, attached to large frames called ‘tenters’ with hooks called ‘tenterhooks’. There was already a weaving industry in this area in Dublin, but it developed even further with the arrival of Huguenot weavers in the late 17th century, they left France and mainland Europe because of religious persecution.

The place names in the area, as well as the architecture reflects this influence. A characteristic style of building in the area at the time were ‘Dutch Billy’ houses, especially in Newmarket Square, Sweeney’s Lane and Weavers’ Square.

This piece depicts a map of the area showing the tenterfields and the street names associated with the weaving industry at the time (streets where the typical Dutch Billy houses could be seen, and which housed the weavers and their families). The orange graphic shape (overlaid over the map) reflects the arched shape of the roof of the Dutch Billy houses. The graphic nature of the print and the bright orange colour is intended to give a modern take on this piece of history. This piece is part of a series based on the Tenters area of the Liberties in Dublin 8.