Garrett Mallon

Jewellery maker

©Garrett Mallon

A storyteller

Garrett enjoys sharing his craft with others
He has dedicated his life to jewellery making
He is a maker and an entrepreneur

After leaving school Garrett Mallon started a youth training course in jewellery making where he discovered his talent and quickly obtained a scholarship to attend John Cass School of Art in London. After this course, Garrett worked in a jewellers in Dublin; making his way from bench to foreman. In 2000 he used his experience of both business and craft to start his own studio. He creates collections inspired by the Irish landscape and folklore, giving them a contemporary twist. He often works on bespoke commissions and creates pieces that lovingly reflect the stories of his clients. He also runs the Garrett Mallon Design Centre where he provides space to showcase over 100 of his peers in the craft sector.

Interview

©Garrett Mallon

©Garrett Mallon

What inspires you?: I am inspired by Irish culture, from nature to music and stories. I like to start with something familiar and bring it somewhere unexpected. My Cloicín collection for example is inspired by the stony shoreline where my studio is.
What is the best part of your job?: Working with people, being part of their important moments, making wedding rings or remaking sentimental pieces. Often, I have generations of the same family coming to me for their jewellery. I get a real buzz from seeing my jewellery being worn.
Is there a particularly memorial moment in you career?: I was privileged to make jewellery for the former President Mary McAleese. Since then, I have made cufflinks for the current President Michael D. Higgins and recently for Joe Biden. It is always an honour to represent Irish craft in this way.
What advice would you give a young jewellery maker?: Stay diverse and flexible. You need to understand how to run your business as well as make. Getting experience with others can be a good way to gain skills in making but also across sales, marketing and other aspects of running a business.

Garrett Mallon is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1986