Tuam heritage walking trail is ready for launch

FRIENDS of Tuam Heritage will be launching a heritage walking trail map of the town, in print and digital format, later this year.

The looped trail will begin and end at the Town Hall and will feature the miniature red Tuam chairs originally installed as part of a public art project in 2015.

Eleven chairs were placed around the town, (a 12th, intended for Tuam Post office was not installed).

Last year, in collaboration with The Old Tuam Society, a short film was produced on the history of the Tuam Chair which has been manufactured in the town since the 1960s, but its design is thought to date back in Connacht to the 18th century.

The film was well received during a screening at the local library and will be online soon.

The new trail map will highlight the locations of the chairs while showcasing the towns’ history and heritage. The Tuam Chair remains a very important symbol of local craftsmanship, and it is still produced by John and Gabriel Blake at Corrib Crafts.

The group hopes the mapping trail will contribute to the unique stories woven into Tuam’s long history. Additionally, Friends of Tuam Heritage have received a replica chair from one of the original designers, Jan Frohburg, Associate Professor of Architecture and Product Design of the University of Limerick.

Their long-term aim is to reproduce more red chairs and install them in new locations around the town.

The group expresses its gratitude to Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer Galway County Council, and Galway County Council who are supporting the funding of the map through the Community Heritage Grant scheme.

Thanks also to West Midlands Credit Union for its generous contribution via their Community Support Fund.

In keeping with the group’s commitment to promoting local creativity, the map will feature hand-drawn illustrations of Tuam’s iconic buildings by talented local artist Jennifer Cunningham and graphic design will be provided by Oliver Burke of TypeStyle.