Speech by Sabina Higgins “Iconic Costumes of the Irish Silver Screen” Newbridge Silverware together with The Irish Costume Archive Project (ICAP) Museum of Style Icons
Newbridge, Co. Kildare, 1st May 2024
Esteemed guests, and dear friends,
I am delighted to have the opportunity to join you all here today, as we celebrate the opening of the “Iconic Costumes of the Irish Silver Screen Exhibition.”
I would like first of all to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all those who have made todays event possible. Thanks to our hosts Newbridge Silver and to mention its Museum of Style Icons which has several exhibitions dedicated to design & style and featuring some of the worlds most iconic celebraties of fashion & film.
May I pay tribute to the efforts of the Irish Costume Archival Project, in particular its founders and curators Eimer Ni Maoldomnaig and Veerle Dehaene. Since it was founded in 2017, ICAP has collected, preserved and exhibited Ireland’s film and television design heritage through its remarkable collections, promoting the costumes by highlighting their importance as part of our national film culture.
Today we celebrate the wonder that two already hardworking film crew members here, growing concerned when seeing the wonderful growth in the Irish Film Industry but that the talent and skills of the Costume Designer would go uncelebrated, uncurated unless someone started to seriously collect and archive what remained of the actual costumes worn in this growing success of Irish movies.
Seeing this stunning exhibition here today, our gratitude to Eimer Ni Maoldomnaig and Veerle Dehaene for the passion, time and effort they have already put in, and continue to do , begging and borrowing from fellow Costume Designers personal hoard to bring us the powerful tactile living pieces which now make up The Irish Costume Archival Project. As we witness today, it is so wonderful to see their commitment to preserving and celebrating our cinematic heritage.
What you see to-day is but a titillation glimpse into ICAP"s growing collection so you have to keep visiting when each new exhibition is flagged countrywide.
It is also wonderful to point out that the Workshop on each new film can have anything from 10 to 30, pattern cutters, staff seamstresses, embroiderers, fabric painters, many of them are new Irish working alongside experienced fellow Irish.
Many members of the workshop are graduates and post graduates from Art & Design & Film Colleges and make an enormous contribution to Irish Film success.
Several of our Irish Costume Desugners now work worldwide and will try to have at least some of the costumes required for their new project made in Ireland.
Ireland has a growing reputation for production skills which of course is good for the film future.
Today we have the opportunity to celebrate the iconic costumes that have graced the silver screen and captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences all around the world. From timeless classics to contemporary masterpieces, each of the 18 costumes on display here tell a unique story, reflecting the remarkable artistry and craftsmanship behind their creation.
Among the treasures on display are costumes worn in some of cinema's most celebrated award-winning classics, such wonderful Irish films of the revived Irish cinema of modern times – since the 1990’s, starting with Braveheart, My Left Foot, In the Name of the Father, Michael Collins, Breakfast on Pluto and the later success Normal People, The Viklings, An Cailin Cuin etc.
As one embarks on a journey through the halls of this exhibition, we are reminded of the profound mark that these costumes have left on Irish cinema, and the enduring legacy they have created.
These costumes, their exquisite craftsmanship of each stitch and seam, their intricate details of designs, not only evoke memories of beloved characters and unforgettable moments, but also serve as a testament to the talent and creativity of the costume designers who brought them to life - a true sign of the artistry and vision of their creators.
May I also take a moment to reflect on the broader context in which these iconic costumes were created.
The success of the Irish film industry, as we have celebrated so happily in recent times, is not merely a product of our wonderful actors' performances or the directors' great vision, but rather a collaborative effort that also involves countless individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes.
Without the dedication and expertise of these talented individuals, the magic of the silver screen would simply not be possible.
Behind every iconic costume is a team of dedicated film crew members whose skill and craftsmanship breathe life into the designer's vision.
Indeed, it is their unwavering dedication that has helped to propel Irish cinema to new heights, garnering international acclaim and recognition along the way.
So, as we celebrate the success of the Irish film industry, let us not forget to celebrate the talent and dedication of those who labour tirelessly behind the scenes.
Speaking of costume designers, I cannot overlook the invaluable contributions of individuals like Joan Bergin, whose designs grace three of the costumes showcased in this exhibition. May I say that Joan is not only a renowned costume designer but is also a lifelong friend of mine. Her talent and vision have played an integral role in shaping the visual landscape of Irish cinema, her dedication to her craft and her ability to bring characters to life through her designs is truly awe-inspiring.
Joan and I had the great great privilege of studying with Deirdre O’ Connell at the Stanislavski Studio and of founding the Focus Theatre where Joan eventually sacrificied her acting to concentrate on the great need of doing the costumes for all our productions.
For all the great modern classics, production of Europen & American etc. plays such as Ibsen, Stringberg, Chekov, Arthur Miller, Tennesse Williams etc.
She allowed herself the treat of playing the beautiful Nataly Petrovna opposite Gabriel Byrne in a Month in the Country by Turgenew. It was such a lovely production.
In closing, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all those who have contributed to this exhibition, from the designers and film crew members, to the curators and organizers.
As Irish cinema continues to flourish and gain international acclaim, it is crucial that we collect and archive the artefacts that serve as a tangible link to our cinematic past. The passion, dedication, and hard work of organizations like ICAP ensures that future generations will be able to celebrate the iconic costumes and to appreciate and learn from the rich legacy and history of Irish cinema.
I invite you all to explore this stunning collection and immerse yourselves in the magic of Irish filmmaking. So many people will get rich enjoyment from visiting this great exhibition.
Thank you, I wish it great success.