The Celtic tribes stayed in Ireland for circa 800 years, leaving an indelible mark on Irish history, culture and craftsmanship. Take a look at how modern Irish metalworkers, lacemakers and woodcarvers build on the artistic and technical heritage of the Celts.
Fiona Harrington incorporates lace into wall hangings and sculptures in order to reference Ireland’s extensive textile working expertise, as well as its social and cultural history.
James Collins and Tom McDonnell are two of the remaining traveller artisans in Ireland, who specialise in tinsmithing – making of copper billycans, jugs, saucepans and other vessels.
Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre, 46 Charles Street Great, D01 XC63, Dublin, Ireland
Pierce Healy is a jewellery maker and a storyteller, who uses rings and pendants, often inspired by ancient mythological creatures, as his storytelling devices.
Sinead Brennan cuts, blows and engraves glass to make grenade-shaped figurines, with which she purposefully challenges the notion that modern Irish glassmaking is predominantly male-led.
In his studio located in Design Tower in Dublin, Seamus Gill displays bespoke and intricately carved silver and gold pieces, such as chess pawns, bangles, pitchers and vases.
The Design Tower, Pearse Street, D02 WF72, Dublin, Ireland
In her workshop Stonechat Jewellers, named after a bird often seen on the Irish coast, Ann Chapman creates jewellery pieces using contrasting metals, including gold, silver and platinum.
Drawing on Ireland’s glassmaking know-how, Róisín de Buitléar makes small pieces and site installations, which often allude to Ireland’s momentous historic events and traditional music.
Roger Bennett is a language teacher-turned-woodturner, who crafts wooden bowls, vessels and wall pieces that are reminiscent of soundwaves and are inspired by ceramic texture.
Emmet Bosonnet repurposes locally sourced waste materials to design contemporary homeware, drawing inspiration from the legacy of industrial Irish design.
The Chocolate Factory, 26 Kings Inn Street, D01 P2W7, Dublin, Ireland
Situated in the heart of Dublin city centre, Arran Street East creates ceramic vessels that honour traditional craftsmanship while placing sustainability at the core of its manufacturing process.
