The balaclava covered face, framed by a gun is the stark image portrayed in this arpillera, half of which is bordered by the Union Jack flag and half by the Tri colour flag. “No Surrender” is used by the Unionist/Loyalist community in Northern Ireland to demonstrate their opposition to any change in the country’s position within the United Kingdom. The slogan was first used by Protestant defenders during the Siege of Derry in 1689.
“Tiocfaidh ár lá” is an Irish phrase which translates as "our day will come". It refers to the potential of a future united Ireland. Michelle reflects: “With the Troubles we just saw men in balaclavas. Sometimes it was hard to know which side was which. I'm glad there’s peace now.”
This arpillera is also documented in Accounts of the Conflict a digital archive of personal accounts of the conflict in and about Northern Ireland, located at the International Conflict Research Institute (INCORE), Ulster University. A total of 10 textiles from the Conflict Textiles collection are included in “Accounts of the Conflict”.
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