Proceeds from t-shirt representing Irish migration to go towards London Irish Centre's cultural and community work

The London Irish Centre has commissioned Brian Teeling’s records to create a t-shirt based on the cover of a 1987 Annual Report that is archived at London Metropolitan University.

The design represents the history of migration between Ireland and the UK and is available on the London Irish Centre's website. It features a graphic of a map of Ireland and Britain with rays of light crossing between London and the Irish Sea with counties and towns labelled.

Since 1954, the London Irish Centre has been based in Camden with an aim to support Irish communities in Britain. Its archive in London Metropolitan University catalogues its work throughout the years. This work includes providing social, cultural and welfare advice to Irish migrants in the UK and offers community events with a focus on Irish culture.

In its 2024/25 report, it stated that it supported 2,750 people through community services and welcomed 55,000 people through its doors. All proceeds generated from the t-shirt sales will go directly to the charity's cultural and community work.

In a press release, the project was described by the Centre as a "wearable artwork that carries almost fifty years of Irish community history into the present."

 

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Brian Teeling, a Dublin artist whose artwork focuses on queer and working-class identity, spoke about his t-shirt company records collaborating with the Centre.

"The London Irish Centre has an archive at London Metropolitan University Library that covers decades of Irish life in London. When they commissioned records to work with it, it felt immediately clear what the work should be. Having access to that material, and being trusted to make something from it, is a privilege."

Teeling's other photography, sculpture and print works have been exhibited in galleries including the Irish Museum of Modern Art,the National Gallery of Ireland and the Crawford Art Gallery.

The t-shirt is priced at £35 which includes a postcard and free shipping in the UK and Republic of Ireland. The sizes range from S-3XL with further sizes available upon request.

Hannah Pender, Director of Programme and Events at the London Irish Centre, said the archive is a "record of generations who made their lives in Britain; the communities they built, the challenges they faced, and the culture they carried with them...We look forward to seeing our community owning and wearing this history, and sharing our pride in those who brought us here."

David Baldwin, Head of Special Collections at London Metropolitan University, said "Working with visual artists like Brian is so important in helping us find creative ways to share these stories beyond the archive, reaching people who may not otherwise encounter them."