Petra Skyvova is the author and curator of Weaving the Threads of Heritage project. Originally from Prague, Czech Republic, she has been living and working in Ireland since 2000. She holds an MA in Cultural Policy and Arts Management from University College Dublin.

Petra has a strong interest in Irish traditional arts and crafts, history, and folklore. She is a traditional wool spinner and explores natural plant dyeing, incorporating her hand-spun and hand-dyed wool into her textile artworks.

Weaving the Threads of Heritage was inspired by Balbriggan’s rich social history of textile and hosiery manufacturing, spanning two centuries from 1780 to 1980. Central to the project were rare artefacts from the Smyth & Co. hosiery factory, including three original stocking pattern sample catalogues. Balbriggan stockings were internationally renowned for their exceptional quality, winning prizes at world fairs and attracting prestigious clients such as Queen Victoria and other European royalty.

Petra’s project, which was funded by Fingal Creative Communities in 2025, culminated in a group exhibition at Ardgillan Gallery, Fingal, in April–May 2025. The exhibition was accompanied by historical artefacts, public talks, and workshops, providing context and deeper engagement with the area’s textile heritage.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petruskasky/