Mary G. (Mary Galway) Houston

Born in Coleraine, County Londonderry, on 27 July 1871, Mary Galway Houston was an Irish craftswoman, teacher, and author. Sources describe her as part of the Arts and Crafts world, noted especially for leatherwork and repoussé metalwork as well as for her writing.

She trained at the Dublin Metropolitan School of Art, where she won prizes, and later taught at the Camberwell School of Art. Alongside her studio work, she developed a strong interest in costume history and design.

Houston is remembered today mainly for her books on historical costume, including studies of ancient Egyptian, Assyrian, and Persian dress, medieval costume in England and France, and Greek, Roman, and Byzantine costume. She died on 24 April 1962.