ICON at Brown Thomas

Last Thursday, 16th May, I attended the breakfast (!) launch of ICON (Irish Craft Original Names) at Brown Thomas' Dublin store.  The exhibition of irish craft has been very successfully curated by Angela O'Kelly so that the luxury department store is a perfect setting to display high-end, beautifully handmade objects.  I think the pairing of international, luxury designer goods, such as clothing and shoes with contemporary craft works because they share an incredibly high level of quality and attention to detail.

My work was chosen along with 15 other craft makers who have, as curator Angela O'Kelly describes, 'international appeal and flair'.  This is the first time that the Crafts Council of Ireland's Irish Craft Portfolio has been exhibited in a retail environment.  Brian McGee, Head of Market Development at CCOI, says of the  exhibition; “The pieces of Irish craft on display in this very special exhibition at Brown Thomas as part of ICON are the Irish design collectables of the future, true expressions of the international standing of Irish culture and creativity in a globalised world,” 

Creative Director at Brown Thomas, John Redmond who was instrumental in developing the ICON concept in store commented that: "The special place that craft occupies in the hearts and minds of Irish people is unique and undeniable and to be the first retail store in Ireland to exhibit the work from the Irish Craft Portfolio programme for our customers is truly a tremendous honour."

The street window displays look very impressive, craft pieces have been used to compliment mannequins dressed in the latest fashion, creating a bold statement that craft is very much a part of leading contemporary design.

A substantial collection of my blown glass sculptural vessels can be seen in the Designer Rooms on the first floor.  

Other exhibitors: Derek Wilson, Roisin De Buitlear, Jennifer Hickey, Jack Doherty, Sasha Sykes, Alison Fitzgerald, Stuart Cairns, Killian Schurmann, Joe Hogan, Sonja Landweer, Nuala O'Donovan, Michael McCrory, Cóilín O’Dubhghaill, John Lee and Paula Stokes.
The exhibition will run until 15th June.

My blown glass vessels 

'Urchin's in the foreground, this is the first time I've exhibited them!

PR Shots by Andres Poveda.

Brown Thomas' managing director Stephen Sealy and Craft's Council of Ireland's Chief Executive Karen Hennessy (and me!)

Me and ceramicist Jennifer Hickey

Window: Derek Wilson Ceramics

Joe Hogan's Baskets

Window: Sonja Landweer Ceramics

Window: Sasha Sykes Furniture

Window: Nuala O'Donovan Ceramics

Window: Roisin De Buitlear Glass