Two top Offaly makers to showcase designs at Irish Design Works exhibition

Two top Offaly makers will showcase their designs at Ballymaloe Grainstore in Cork for Irish Design Works in August.

The free exhibition of contemporary craft and design including furniture, ceramics and sculpture takes place from August 18 to 25 next, and marks the first Irish Design Works exhibition since 2019, and the first time it is taking place in Cork.

The Offaly-based makers are Michelle O’Donnell of Glasshammer Studios and John Farrell of Esker Design.

The celebration of Irish design and craftsmanship includes free admission and will kick off on August 9 with an opening night of wine and canapés from 7-9pm. Each of the pieces on display are uniquely designed and produced in Ireland, and the public will get a great insight to the diversity of Irish talent on offer.

Irish Design Works 2024 will allow an exclusive group of Irish makers from across the country to display their unique pieces, with a wide range of disciplines on show including furniture and lighting, ceramics, artisan rugs and knives, and sculptural works in wood, glass and willow.

The exhibition will open daily from 11am-5pm and several of the makers will be on-hand throughout the weekend dates to chat to the public about their innovative work or to discuss a custom project.

This year, the makers are from Cork, Carlow, Clare, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Laois, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Tipperary, Wicklow, and Wexford.

Discussing the exhibition, Michelle O’Donnell of Glasshammer Studios said: “As an original member, I have always believed in the power of creative collaboration. I am honored to announce my participation in the upcoming exhibition at the Ballymaloe Grainstore in East Cork, a wonderful venue for our work.

This event features an incredibly talented group of artists and craftspeople, and I am looking forward to meeting everyone and working together. This is an exhibition you won’t want to miss.”

John Farrell of Esker Design also commented: "Delighted to be a part of Irish design works 2024. I will be exhibiting some new designs and very excited to have people interact with my work".

Speaking about the upcoming exhibition, Tricia Harris of Studio Harris commented: “This is our first year bringing the Irish Design Works exhibition to Cork, so we are very excited about that, and to be in the beautiful setting of Ballymaloe makes it even more special.

This is a self-funded group show brought together by a small selection of Irish-based makers, providing an opportunity to buy unique pieces directly from the creators. The mixed-discipline aspect of the show means visitors will get to enjoy a range of high quality, design focused works and to see a snapshot of the diversity of creative talent and skill that exists in Ireland at the moment.”

Irish Design Works 2024 provides a platform for small Irish craftspeople to advertise their offerings, as one of the founding organisers of the Irish Design Works series of exhibitions.

Irish Design Works 2024 will take place from August 9 to 25 in Ballymaloe Grainstore, opening daily from 11am to 5pm.