Start Date
End Date
Where
Sunny Bank Mills, 83–85 Town Street, Farsley, Pudsey, LS28 5UJ
The exhibition opening will use weaving, paper making, oral history, ceramics and poetry to explore the hidden legacy of unmarried Irish women and their children who were sent from Britain to Ireland’s Mother and Baby institutions.
Running from 24 April to 3 May 2026, Rendition is a powerful collaboration between Yorkshire artist Fiona Cahill and Fréa Renewing Roots, bringing together art, lived experience and community storytelling to confront a history that remains deeply relevant today.
Created by Fiona Cahill, Rendition draws on her grandmother’s, mother’s and her own family experience to examine the deportation of unmarried Irish women and their babies, and the lasting trauma caused by secrecy, shame and institutional abuse.
Fiona Cahill said: “The British State refuses to apologise for its historic treatment of unmarried mothers. I hope that by recognising ongoing harms we can create space for communal grief and help facilitate the apology my mum asked for.”
The exhibition will also feature work created in collaboration with Fréa Renewing Roots, including oral history extracts, ceramics and poetry from members of Crann Sailí, the organisation’s arts for wellbeing group. These voices and creative works will be shared publicly in Yorkshire for the first time.
Natalie Hughes-Crean, Specialist Case Worker at Fréa Renewing Roots, said:
“These voices were silenced and ignored for decades. This is not just history — its impact is still felt today. We hope this exhibition offers recognition, as well as a message of strength and hope for the future.”
Set within the historic mill, Rendition will include a loom installation at the centre of the exhibition, reflecting Fiona’s background in weaving and the connection between memory, place and healing.
The exhibition is free to attend during 24 April – 3 May, 10am – 4pm
Workshops
A series of free public workshops will also take place throughout the exhibition, giving visitors the chance to create handmade paper and explore autocartography under Fiona’s guidance.
Advance booking for the workshops is required via Eventbrite, click HERE.
About Sunny Bank Mills
Sunny Bank Mills is one of the most exciting and respected cultural and community hubs in the Yorkshire region. It is home to an acclaimed contemporary Art Gallery, a large artists’ studio community, a textile Museum & Archive, and with many other creative independent businesses on site. Its iconic 1912 Mill is used for major events and exhibitions and is a regular film and TV location. Sunny Bank Mills is situated in the heart of the thriving village of Farsley in West Leeds.