The Wild Donegal Tweed project, led by Nuala Goodman (artist and NABA lecturer), in collaboration with NABA's Rome campus, the Irish Embassy in Rome, and five leading Donegal Tweed textile companies - McNutt, Magee1866, Molloy & Sons, Triona, and Studio Donegal, has successfully concluded. This event aimed to share valuable insights into this exquisite fabric crafted in County Donegal, Ireland. Esteemed since the 16th century, Donegal Tweed continues to thrive and inspire the global fashion industry with its sustainable qualities, elevating it to an art form. It is indeed a durable material, perfectly withstanding continuous reassemblies and new configurations.

The workshop and exhibition

As part of the project, in November, students from the NABA Rome Campus participated in a workshop dedicated to the renowned fabric under Nuala Goodman’s guidance. This workshop focused on creating cushions, which, once embroidered, transformed into genuine works of textile art. The five participating textile companies generously donated the material for the project, and the workshop outcomes were exhibited at the Irish Embassy in Rome, Villa Spada. Additionally, on December 6, 2023, a talk about Donegal Tweed was held at the same venue, led by Deirdre Mc Quillan, the fashion editor of The Irish Times. A unique opportunity to dive into Ireland's history.