The Hunt Museum, together with Cook Medical, is encouraging communities in Limerick to learn about the art of weaving willows through a new project that focuses on biodiversity and collaboration.
The partnership is part of RECHARGE, a Horizon Europe funded project, which aims to connect museums, businesses and the community in a new sustainable participatory business model with real social benefits. The Hunt Museum is focusing on environment and biodiversity and has taken inspiration from the willow patterns on many of the ceramic pieces in its collection to collaborate with Cook Medical to create a project that will have a meaningful impact on local communities.
For the project, which was developed with community groups from Limerick City Build, Limerick Island Partnership, St Gabriels, Paul Partnership and St Mary’s School, the Hunt Museum will be hosting willow-weaving classes for the public, while Cook Medical will do the same for its employees. Willow weaving can be used as a form of physical therapy and encourages both creativity and a connection to the environment.
To celebrate the launch, living sculptures were crafted and woven from willows on the grounds of the Hunt Museum and Cook Medical. The Hunt Museum features four sculptures, while Cook’s grounds boast a willow stent and willow fence.
Speaking about the project, Hunt Museum Director and CEO Jill Cousins said, “The Hunt Museum’s focus for 2023 is climate, and we are delighted to partner with Cook Medical to link their green team and grounds to our museum’s garden and biodiversity, while also benefiting many Limerick communities. The collaboration has already been hugely successful with community participation at the fore.”
Seamus Lloyd, head of facilities and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) at Cook Medical, added, “We’re thrilled to work with the Hunt Museum and use our time and resources to have a positive impact on the community and environment. We’re passionate about preserving and enhancing the biodiversity on our site, so this project is particularly special to us.”
Launching the RECHARGE partnership between, Cook Medical and The Hunt Museum were, Dean Reddan, St. Gabriels, Disability Centre, Úna Hussey, Recharge at The Hunt Museum, Veronica Santorum, Willow Artist and Laura Holland, Cook Medical. Picture: Alan Place