Welcome to Mourne Textiles

Mourne Textiles was founded in the foothills of the Mourne Mountains, County Down, by Norwegian textile designer Gerd Hay-Edie. Her iconic textile designs and pioneering weaving techniques became staples of mid-century British design. Collaborations with renowned figures such as Robin Day, Hille, and Terence Conran established her lasting influence in the world of weaving.

Today, her grandson, Mario Sierra, proudly carries on the family legacy, continuing Gerd’s passion for weaving from the original mill in Rostrevor. The company now connects the designs of the past with modern influences to create a luxurious collection of home furnishing fabrics, cushions, blankets, and scarves.

Mourne Textiles champions the beauty of its surroundings while upholding a deep respect for craftsmanship, artistry, and design excellence. In a world of standardisation, Mourne Textiles embraces the unique, ensuring each piece reflects the rich heritage and innovation that defines the brand.

Carrying on a legacy of textile innovation

Mourne Textiles has been woven into the fabric of Mario Sierra's life for as long as he can remember. As a young boy, the workshop served as his playground, filled with the unmistakable scent of lanolin from freshly shorn fleeces and the rhythmic sounds of looms crafting exquisite fabrics. It was a magical environment that nurtured his early love for weaving and design.

Founded in 1954 by Gerd Hay-Edie, the workshop and design studio are set against the stunning backdrop of the Mourne Mountains. Under her visionary leadership, Mourne Textiles blossomed into a global business, establishing a legacy that has thrived for over fifty years. Gerd's iconic designs, combined with her unparalleled technical skills, garnered numerous accolades and solidified her reputation as a pioneer in 20th-century handwoven textiles.

Continuing this rich heritage, Mario's mother, Karen Hay-Edie, shares her mother’s profound passion for weaving and is herself a Master Weaver. Her exceptional craftsmanship and expertise have infused the business with new vitality, breathing fresh life into Gerd's timeless designs while honouring the traditions that have defined Mourne Textiles.

In a significant step forward, Mario has opened a new weaving mill in Warrenpoint, where he revitalises Gerd's original designs using vintage power looms. This innovative space not only honours the legacy of handwoven textiles but also allows Mario to explore new designs and colourways, seamlessly bringing Mourne Textiles into the contemporary textile industry.

Today, the story of Mourne Textiles continues. In the spirit of his grandmother's renowned collaborations with 20th-century design icons, Mario has embraced opportunities to work alongside fellow creatives. Recent projects include partnerships with some of the most exciting names in modern design, including Margaret Howell, Carl Hansen, Pinch, and Twenty Twenty One.

Our Environment

The breathtaking landscape of the Mourne Mountains has long been a source of inspiration, reflecting the sentiments of Gerd Hay-Edie when she settled here in 1947. Mourne Textiles is fortunate to operate from the original studio, purpose-built by Gerd. Remarkably, the internal layout of the mill remains unchanged, and many of the looms in use today have stood in the workshop for over five decades, giving the space a museum-like quality.

The stunning vistas, which shift gracefully with the seasons, continue to provide an endless well of beauty and creative inspiration.

Mario Sierra firmly believes that this heritage business positively influences the rural community, fostering a deep appreciation for the art of weaving.

Mourne Textiles takes pride in its commitment to low environmental impact, utilising natural resources and maintaining minimal energy consumption and carbon footprint. The company strives to incorporate ethical, transparent, and sustainable practices into its operations, embodying a sense of social responsibility while upholding integrity, value, depth, and richness in everything it creates.

Our People

Mourne Textiles is deeply committed to its people, recognising that the success of the business is built on the energy, craftsmanship, and passion of all team members. The dedicated workforce includes skilled weavers and warpers, whose expertise brings each fabric to life. Gifted loom mechanics, well-versed in the quirks of vintage looms, ensure the smooth operation of the weaving process, while a meticulous sewing team pays close attention to detail, producing high-quality finishes on every product.

The commitment to craftsmanship extends to the packing and dispatch staff, who take great care in processing orders, ensuring that each product is well-wrapped and ready to use upon arrival. This collaborative effort not only upholds the heritage of Mourne Textiles but also fosters a culture of excellence and pride within the local community.

Mario Sierra takes immense pride in the wonderful team of local artisans, championing native weaving talent and ensuring that these valuable skills are shared, learned, and transferred within the community. Additionally, Mourne Textiles collaborates with the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) to offer apprenticeship grants, supporting the next generation in learning the vital, time-honoured skills of weaving.