Mary Ann
Julia's Grandmother
Julia's grandmother Mary Ann was an Irish lacemaker, born in 1890 in Skeagh County Down in Northern Ireland.
"My grandmother died when I was a few months old, and I didn’t actually know anything about her really until my cousin started doing the family tree".
Julia's father joined the RAF to fight for Britain during the Second World War, serving in the RAF air sea rescue in Lucas in Fife in Scotland. Due to the political and religious tensions between Ireland and Britain at this time, this caused a rift within Julia's family.
Extract written by Julia's Aunt Peggy about her Ma, Mary Ann
LACE PATTERN DESIGNED BY MARY ANN. KEPT BY JULIA's FATHER IN HIS WALLET FOR OVER 50 YEARS.
LISTEN
"His own family disowned him for a long time, because (...) he had joined the British. (...) I think that made it very difficult for him (...) He always considered Ireland home, but it wasn't always home when he went home".
Play the sound clip to hear the lace pattern's story
Julia now lives in Forest Gate.
Play these sound clips to hear from more crafters about their family memories.
Parkash
Ruth
Sarah