Sybil Connolly: A Stitch in Time

The Hunt Museum holds a large archive of Sybil Connolly’s collection, donated by her nephew John Connolly. It includes her haute couture, sketches, scrapbooks, fabric, wallpaper, ceramic and glass.

Due to wear and tear many of the dresses are in need of conservation requiring the museum to raise funds to employ an expert conservator.  The campaign wants to raise €12,500 towards the cost of bringing these garments back to their former glory.

Support for the campaign from Sybil Connolly expert, the Irish Aesthete, Robert O’Byrne:

Sybil believed fashion designers should have a clear look, and that Irish fabrics were the best expression of ‘her look’. Sybil had many remarkable achievements. She was an influencer, she knew the value of the image, she was contemporary in her ability to sell her designs to important patrons. Most importantly she forged a path for Irish women, designers and entrepreneurs.  But now these designs and fabulous Irish fabrics need your help.  

And from Limerick’s own fashion stylist and model, Celia Holman-Lee who says: 

In her day, Sybil was one of the world’s great designers, designing for icons such as Jackie Kennedy Onassis.  It is very fitting that such a major collection of her work resides in Limerick’s Hunt Museum. Limerick has in its blood the entrepreneurism and innovation that can be seen in Sybil’s creations.   We must protect, save, mind and guard this beautiful haute couture collection for all generations to come. 

To contribute to the campaign follow this link. The rewards include limited editions of a Nicholas Mosse mug, who worked with Sybil when she moved into interior design, and some limited edition prints of her original sketches. 

Thirteen garments are scheduled for conservation: Dark Red Evening Coat, Heiress, Irish Moss, Red flannel skirt ‘Washer Woman’, Wedding Dress and veil, a Two piece wedding dress, the Dress from the premiere of Mary Poppins in LA and  Pink Ice,  Red wool cape, White crochet dress, Cream Crochet Jacket, the ‘Illusion’ coat and a Tweed jacket belonging to Gertrude Hunt