maker's diary: Derry, City of Culture 2013

Yesterday I was in Derry with my boyfriend Adam, he was filming the Craft Village Collective for Craft NI, who are creating a virtual 'Craft Map' of Northern Ireland. (Adam is filming the locations, I will post films when they are finished!) I was helping out, taking some photos for stills. The Craft Village Collective are a group of around 20 makers in the Derry/Donegal area who have taken the initiative to open a lovely craft shop in time for the City of Culture. There is a real mix of disciplines and something for everyone.

For lunch, we called into he newly opened Warehouse No.1, a cafe and craft shop, which is right beside the historic Guildhall. Adam and I stock our work in the craft shop, so this was the perfect opportunity to heck out this venue, the contemporary industrial yet comfortable interior really works! The food was also delicious!

We then called into the Gordon Gallery on Pump Street. My knowledge of Derry is very limited so I was pleased to discover the 'Cathedral Quarter' which seems to be the artistic area of the city. There is currently an all Ireland group show on, mainly paintings with some sculptural work. It was good to see such an impressive collection of contemporary work.