Mary G. (Mary Galway) Houston

Born in Coleraine, County Londonderry, on July 27, 1871, Mary Galway Houston was an Irish craftswoman, teacher, and author. She trained at the Dublin Metropolitan School of Art, where she won prizes, and became known for leatherwork and repoussé metalwork as well as for teaching art and design.

Houston was associated with the Arts and Crafts world and later taught at the Camberwell School of Art. Alongside her studio and teaching work, she wrote books on historic costume that helped make her name with later readers, including studies of ancient and medieval dress.

Her writing stands out because it grew from practical design knowledge as well as historical research. Mary Galway Houston died on April 24, 1962, and she is still remembered for connecting craftsmanship, costume study, and art education.