Debbie Wilson, founding Chairperson of the Irish Guild of Embroiderers, died very suddenly on the 1st of June 2020.

Debbie was a skilled and enthusiastic embroiderer, who in 2000 had a vision for a community of embroiderers/ textile artists from diverse disciplines, that would come together regularly to exchange ideas, work together on projects, and learn new skills via workshops and demonstrations. This led to the founding of the Irish Guild of Embroiderers in 2000, and along with the first committee set us on the path on which now we find ourselves, as a vibrant and growing community of embroiderers.

At the inaugural meeting in Airfield House, Dundrum on the 21st October 2000, Debbie outlined her vision for the Guild. In this she explained in detail the plans and aspirations for the new group, setting out an ambitious program for the Guild, which is largely still followed to this day.

In the preface for book “Twenty Twenty” which celebrates twenty years of the Irish Guild of Embroiderers she said:

“In early 2000 it became clear that there were many talented embroiderers in Ireland who sought a local Dublin “home” for them to exchange ideas, and in learning new techniques perhaps find different and exciting ways to express their creative endeavors. What was needed was a stimulating environment!”

She was an enthusiastic and energetic organizer of all things stitch related and in her first years in office she organized our first exhibition in Airfield house in 2003, artists retreats like the annual stay in Avondale and an embroidery trip to China in the same year with members of the Embroiderers Guild. She got us all involved in many more events such as the Knitting and Stitching shows at the RDS and signed us up to be members of the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland. She continued to be involved in the Guild throughout the years attending talks and workshops by visiting artists. She had organized a trip to Paris in April 2020 with members of the Guild which sadly had to be cancelled.

Debbie will be greatly missed by all of us who knew her.

The committee and members of the Irish Guild of Embroiderers extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and many friends.

—Anne Jeffares