What is an artisan?
By definition, "a worker in a skilled trade, especially one that involves making things by hand".
When we consider a trade like textile manufacturing, modern technology has advanced machine operation to remove the human touch. In a remote corner of Kilkenny, Ireland, one historic woollen mill has discovered the delicate balance that keeps artisan manufacture at the forefront. Cushendale Woollen Mill is a beautiful example of a heritage product that infuses antique, artisan tradition with contemporary style.
On October 30, 2024, I had the pleasure of visiting Cushendale Woollen Mill in Graiguenamanagh (Greg - na - men- nak), Kilkenny, Ireland. I met with Trevor, who I had corresponded with over email in placing my first few Cushendale orders. Trevor had a classicly southern Irish brogue and began our tour by describing the history of Cushendale.
Dating back to the 13th century, Graiguenamanagh was home to a monastery. The Duiske Abbey remains today as a functioning Catholic Church for locals. The monks were employed in the manufacture of woollen blankets from local sheep. Proccessed from start to finish in the mill, it was powered by the river Barrow running through the town. Following the Protestant Reformation led by King Henry VIII, the monastery was disbanded. As the mill was profitable, production continued for centuries. The Cushen family took ownership in the late 1700's. Miriam Cushen inhereted the business from her father several years ago, making it the only woman-run woollen mill in Ireland. It remains fully a vertical operation- processing Irish wool from start to finish.
Most noteable on this tour was the continued use of antique machinery, the set up of which is meticulous and time consuming. Each string is hand tied and threaded into the machine while referring to a master plan that places yarn colors in the correct order to achieve a desired pattern. It can take several hours to set up one loom. Both Miriam, owner, and Thomas, weaver, are considered masters in this area. With considerable expertise, they navigate the set up, running, and repair of these machines on site. Contrast this with more modern machinery, which is mostly computer operated and engineered. To quote Trevor, "artisans don't deal in averages." Each throw blanket is checked and measured by hand throughout the manufacturing process with perfection being the ultimate goal. There are no "tolerances" at Cushendale, perfection is achieved through patient, slow, and intentional work.
The term "artisan" conjures visions of weavers on a handloom. However, the art of weaving a quality textile is complex. The machine operators are master artisans in their own right as each piece is touched by the expertise of the human hand throughout the process. Every one of Cushendale's nine employees touches the products along the way. Trevor himself, who manages wholesale and supplier accounts, can be found twisting the ends of their lambswool blankets in between writing emails.
A special thank you to Trevor for the tour of the mill. It was a privilege to witness the making of these beautiful pieces in-person.
While at the mill, I selected several items to bring into Peregrin this holiday season. A new assortment of mohair blankets and scarves are available in store now. They merit a visit, as the soft, lofty hand of these pieces is heavenly!
Thank you for joining me in celebrating artisanal, heritage businesses like Cushendale Woollen Mills. Hope to see you soon.
Emily
Owner, Peregrin
