An important new exhibition opening in the 1912 Mill at Sunny Bank Mills this month.

Rendition 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. It brings together art, lived experience and community storytelling to confront a history that remains deeply
relevant today.

It’s a deeply community-rooted project, combining:

  • Oral histories
  • Creative workshops
  • and work developed with people who were directly affected.

Taking place in the 1912 Mill, it also ties strongly to Farsley’s creative and textile heritage.

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 to 3 May, 10am–4pm.

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 is required via Eventbrite.

Sponsored content

https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/kirkstall