Every Threads of Lore panel begins with an artist’s vision. Working closely with the Threads of Lore team, our artists research Ireland’s history, mythology, landscapes and folklore, exploring the stories behind each panel before transforming them into original illustrations that capture their spirit and significance. These drawings become the blueprint for the embroidery, providing the foundation from which our volunteer stitchers bring each design to life, thread by thread.
Discover the talented artists whose creativity, research and craftsmanship help shape the stories woven into every Threads of Lore tapestry.
Josephine Hardiman
A lifelong artist, Josephine Hardiman was born in Co. Antrim and grew up in Newbridge, Co. Kildare. A former primary school teacher, she has taught private art and calligraphy classes to students of all ages from her studio in Punchestown.
Josephine joined the Threads of Lore team in October 2025, bringing her considerable artistic experience to the project. She has since completed the artwork for Panel 11 and is currently working with the team to refine and add some of the final artistic touches to our other tapestry panels.
Working in watercolour and pastel, Josephine is particularly known for her calligraphy. Her work has been presented to Presidents Mary Robinson, Mary McAleese and Michael D. Higgins, as well as former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.
Inspired by the rich heritage of Co. Kildare, Josephine began The Book of Kildare project in 2016, an ambitious creative undertaking which has since been published as the 21st-century Book of Kildare.
Daniela Garau
Originally from Sardinia, Italy, Daniela Garau is a Co. Meath-based artist living in Dunshaughlin. Her artistic vision is shaped by a deep passion for nature and sustainability, creating exquisite works across a broad spectrum of subjects and media.
Through her work, Daniela hopes to share a quiet, positive message that brings comfort and lifts the heart in challenging times, while encouraging an appreciation of nature.
Her work was featured in the 2025 Annual RHA Exhibition, and she returns annually to exhibit at the Dublin Horse Show and Art Source.
Find out more at www.DanielaGarauArt.com.
Ailbhe Reilly Tuite
Ailbhe is an interdisciplinary artist based in Cork. They graduated with a First Class Honours BA in Fine Art in 2024 and were awarded the Moving Image Bursary from Backwater Artists Group, alongside a Video Residency at CCAD for the 2024 to 2025 academic year.
They explore imaginary realms through immersive installations that bring together drawing, moving image and sound. Inspired by music and traditional storytelling, they create works that invite viewers into spaces of curiosity, reflection and play.
They are particularly interested in the relationship between the individual and the collective, using animation and performance to examine shared movement and human connection. Drawing is at the heart of my practice, serving as an instinctive form of communication and visual expression. Through a process-led approach, they develop artworks that encourage audiences to engage with ideas through experience, imagination and contemplation.
Read more about our trip to Cork to visit Ailbhe HERE.
Find out more about Ailbhe Reilly Tuite here.