The Crafts Council of IrelandIssue no.2

The fourteen designer jewellers who travelled to Canada to take part in the business programme have nowreturned inspired and enlightened. (This venture has been funded by the International Fund for Ireland andco-ordinated by Craftworks, the Northern Crafts development agency.) Here follow the impressions ofTherese Perrott, one of the programme participants.

"Having been one of the fortunate 14 jewellers selected for the 'Canada Project1 organised by Craftworks, Iset off in trepidation of the 'New World', leaving behind my small homely studio in the country. Comparingour differences was as interesting for us as seeing our similarities, the most obvious difference being the initialshock of going to work in an unmarked/clinically clean, neat and quiet workshop on the 7th floor of a bank(for security) with a view of the beautiful Vancouver and the magnificent mountainous backdrop."

"Initially time was spent adjusting to their ways andmeans by making their designs to their stipulations.The most common technical difference is the use of'propane gas' and their commitment to alloying theirown metals. I was given more free rein after a fewweeks to indulge in some of my ownexperimentation.

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One common difference we all found with theVancouver goldsmiths was their easy-goingness,even under pressure at the bench they would neverlet it get to them and would always make time tostop for their morning coffee and 'BlueberryMuffin'!

This was an experience of a life-time and I amindebted to 'Craftworks1 for the importantopportunity of extending my expertise and wideningmy horizon. Now that we are an 'open market'maybe it'll be easier for other organisations to dothe same in all fields so we may all broaden eachother's horizons. More of it!"

The Crafts Council believe that this will be aseminal event in the development of Irish jewelleryin the 90's.

r urniture Design& Making

The course in furniture making in Letterfrack,County Galway, has already achieved a highreputation in its short lifetime. That it is possible toachieve a good design and technical standard on atwo year course, that it is geographically isolatedwithin Ireland let alone Europe, is both remarkableand heartening. Heartening because it is anargument for the devolution of high quality trainingto rural areas, where its very existence is acontribution and a cause for pride in the localcommunity. The following photograph was taken atthe graduating show in May.

The Mirrors Project, demonstrating carving, veneeringand guilding techniques will be shown in the CraftsCouncil Gallery Showcase later this year.

T^ Joseph Shanahan (Joe)An Appreciation

Joseph Shanahan died peacefully on the seventh ofMarch 1992, in his native Carrick-on-Suir, CountyWaterford where he was born in 1928. A sad dayfor his family and many, many friends.

Joe was a kind and generous man with a deep loveand pride in his craft, that of basket-making. Abatchelor, he had a natural concern that hisvenerable craft should continue and flourish. Inmore recent years he made it his business to take onand train a number of apprentices who benefittedgreatly from his skill and considerable knowledge.

Joe's success as craftsman and businessman waslargely due to his intelligence, adaptability, and hisability to bounce back from adversity. He made ahuge range of baskets from herring crans to picnichampers, even balloon baskets, all executed withskill and attention to detail. It was fitting that theworth of this fine craftsman was recognised withinhis lifetime.

On behalf of the Crafts Council of Ireland, weextend our sympathy to his sisters Noreen and Kittyand wish them well.

David Shaw-Smith

X oung Entrepreneursat Work

Many young craftworkers have developed designconcepts whilst at college or serving anapprenticeship. These they have nurtured into acommercial business, some of whom have recentlyexhibited at 'Bright Young Things' at the HQGallery. The result has been the establishment ofmany varied and exciting businesses in a range ofdisciplines ranging from printed textiles to wroughtiron and from decorative ceramic containers totufted rugs. They have followed many varied routesto setting up in business. Some of them havingdeveloped their Business/Design Skills at theCrescent Workshop, others have sought advice fromthe Craft Development Officer at the Crafts Councilof Ireland, and others solely by their own efforts.The I.D.A., through the Employment Grant, plays asignificant role as a catalyst in making thesebusinesses possibilities a reality. All of them share avision of creativity and flair, portrayed in theimages that follow.

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Irish Craftworkin Germany

As part of the programme to investigate thepotential for Irish craftwork in Germany, the CraftsCouncil and Craftworks from the North (operatingas Irish Crafts International), took a stand at the'Handwerksmesse' Trade Fair in Cologne, in June.The work was focussed on products for domesticinteriors, plus some jewellery in non-preciousmetals. There were 26 makers in all - 16 from the

South and 12 from the North. The response fromGerman buyers and from the public was verypositive: orders were taken, good contacts made andmuch valuable market research gained. The CraftsCouncil and Craftworks will shortly be deciding thenext steps to be taken. This initiative is supported bythe International Fund for Ireland, An BordTrachtala and L.E.D.U.

alendar of Events

Seminars

CraftworksDuring July, August and SeptemberA series of one day seminars covering areas including:Effective selling skills; Pricing your product; Understandingaccounts and basic book keeping.For further information contact:Ms. Patricia Flanagan,Craftworks, 13 Linenhall Street, Belfast BT2 8AATel 0232 236344

Free Business Advice for Young CraftworkersSaturday 26 SeptemberA one day seminar to be held at the Crescent Workshop,Kilkenny.For further information contact:Emer Ferran,The Crescent WorkshopTel 056 61804 or 62734Fax 056 63754

Irish Wood Turners' Guild Seminar'9222 - 23 AugustHeld at Dublin University, Glasnevin, Dublin. Fee £85.For further information contact:Tom Dunlop,Shanborough Upper, Co. kilkenny.Tel 051 21032

World Wood Turning Conference21 -25 April 1993

Co-sponsored by the Wood Turning Centre and the tlagleyMuseum and Library Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.A. The centrerecently wrote to its members enclosing Pre-registration formsand a call for Proposals for the programme.Anyone else interested should contact:Albert Le Coff,Wood Turning Centre, P.O. Box 25706, Philadelphia PA. 19144Tel 215 844 2188Fax 215 844 6116

An Bord Trachtala/lrish Trade Board

Workshops'Are you prepared to answer all those questions from buyers?'In September 1992 Bord Trachtala will organise a series ofevening workshops focusing on the operational aspects ofdeveloping business:

-tariff codes-taxes/duties-documentation-pricing-terms of trade-methods of payment-insurance-shipping

These workshops will be held in venues around the country inSeptember 1992 and you are invited to participate.All participants in SHOWCASE 1993 will automatically receivefurther details. If you are not participating in SHOWCASE andwish to receive further details send your name and address toyour local Bord Trachtala Regional Office (Dublin, Waterford,Limerick, Galway and Sligo).

European Artists' Pepinieres

Set up by the 'Pepinieres Europeennes pour Jeunes Artistes', anon-profit making organisation in Paris.This programme is designed to:Host artists in 1993 (3 to 9 months); Produce arts projects;Encourage mobility in Europe.By supporting creativity (grants), it enables artists to:Achieve professional recognition; Produce and distribute artworks; Meet, exchange and share experiences.The main conditions of entry are the following:Applicants must - Be between 20 and 30; Reside in a countryhosting a Pepiniere; Apply for a residency outside of the countryof origin or residence; Submit an application; Encloseaccompanying documents.There are two selections:A National Jury in October 1992 and an International Jury inDecember 1992If you require any further information, please contact theNational Correspondent for Ireland:Peter Murray,The Crawford Municipal Gallery, Emmet Place, Cork.Tel 021 273377

Exhibition

Cormac Boydell15 July - 22 August, 10 am - 6 pm dailyThe Achiles based artist working in clay and natural media willbe exhibiting at the Templebar Gallery in Dublin. The exhibitionwill take the form of an installation of soils, stones and plantsfrom the Irish countryside and clay sculptures. These sculptureshave been made and fired in the Arts Council funded NationalSculpture Factory in Cork.

Crafts Council of Ireland HQ

Leslie Reed Pottery Showcase27 June - 25 JulyAn exhibition of teapots, cups and saucers, mugs and creamers forthe "Irish Tea Ceremony", by the Craft Council's Training andEducation Officer.

•Not the 9 O "Clock News'16 July-29 AugustThis group show will concentrate on large scale work, whoseimaginative scope should reflect the breadth of interest of theIrish crafts.

Crafted in Europe

6 - 8 SeptemberThe Crafts Council of Ireland has been informed by Euro Fairsthat they have transferred their interest in 'Crafted in Europe' toT.P.S. Eagle Exhibitions Ltd. organisers of the BirminghamInternational Spring Fair and the Capital Gift Fair at LondonOlympia.For further information contact:Ms. Sally Butler or Mr. Alan Murphy,6 Warren Lane, London SE 18 6BWTel 00 44 81 855 92011Fax 00 44 81 3162723

Craftworkers Sought for 1993

Mountmellick Development Association Ltd.3000 sq.feet, studios designed to suit individual craftworkers.For further information or viewing contact:Mary Mulvey, Project ManagerTel 0502 24525

Studio Space Available

Would suit pottery business or a group of pottersFor further information contact:Gordon Parker,Warehouse Studio, 12 Magennis Place, Dublin 2.Tel 01 719399

For sale

Glimakra standard counter marche loom, 8 shaft, as new for£1300 or nearest offer.Tel 021 541791 9am -10 am daily

All information is published in good faith but without research, so please check carefully before committing yourself to work or financial outlayThe inclusion of relevant information has been affected by the An Post dispute

Please forward all further information to Emer FerranThe copy date for the next issue is 15 August and the print date is 31 August 1992

rafts Council Staff

HQChief Executive Christine Ross

Craft Development officer Sean O'Farrell

Receptionist/Typist Clare BrennanAdministrative Officer Margaret Jones

Gallery Administrator Margaret McAnallenExhibitions Officer Greg McAteerGallery Assistants Deirdre Barry

Siobhan McDonald

The Crescent WorkshopLeslie Reed Education and Training Officer

Emer Ferran Supervisor/Information Officer

Nuala McGrath Administrative Assistant

Thomastown Pottery Skills Course

Gus Mabelson Trainer

The Crafts Council of Ireland

Designed in the Crescent Workshopby Mairead Brennan

DublinHQ Gallery

Powerscourt Townhouse CentreSouth William Street, Dublin 2Tel 01 679 7383 or 679 7368

Fax 01 679 9197

KilkennyThe Crescent WorkshopCastle YardKilkennyTel 056 61804 or 62734Fax 056 63754