SCULPTURE AT LYONS

Brown Thomas, in association with the Crafts Council of Ireland, presents a curated selection of unique, innovative objects from the flagship publication ‘Irish Craft Portfolio: Critical Selection 2013-2014’ in special feature windows on Grafton Street.  An exhibition of work from both the publication and the Irish Craft Portfolio programme (www.irishcraftportfolio.ie)will also be displayed throughout the Dublin store. ICON (Irish Craft Original Names) will be at Brown Thomas from 16th May to 15th June 2013.

The ICON concept was developed by John Redmond, Creative Director of the Brown Thomas Group, with designer Angela O ‘Kelly being chosen on behalf of the Crafts Council of Ireland, to curate the project.

Angela has selected 16 established Irish makers with international appeal and flair for inclusion in the exhibition. This is the first time that an exhibition of work from the Irish Craft Portfolio programme has been shown in a retail environment.

Many of the featured makers are also exhibiting their work this month at COLLECT, the international art fair for contemporary objects at the Saatchi Gallery in London (May 10th – 13th 2013), which attracts buyers and collectors from London, UAE, Asia and Russia each year.

As part of ICON, the Brown Thomas windows on Grafton Street will include:

* Sonja Landweer‘s inspiring work in bronze
* Cóilín O’Dubhghaill’s precious metal vessels with ground breaking patinas
* Sasha Skyes’ innovative furnishings in acrylic resin mixed with other materials
* Joe Hogan’s non-functional drift wood baskets
* Nuala O’Donovan’s intricate porcelain sculptures
* Jennifer Hickey’s ephemeral tulle veil with sewn on porcelain and LED lighting
* Jack Doherty’s porcelain bowls with oxidized glazes
* Róisín de Buitléar’s rainbow coloured, blown glass balls
* Derek Wilson’s contemporary porcelain

In the Luxury Hall master silversmith Michael McCrory‘s enameled silver condiment sets will be displayed. The Designer Rooms on the first floor will showcase the Wish table by John Lee, a selection of baskets by Alison Fitzgerald
, glass vases by Catherine Keenan,Killian Schurmann‘s glass objects, Paula Stokes’s elegant glass vessels and found objects repurposed as utensils by Stuart Cairns.

Commenting on the exhibition, Brian McGee from the Crafts Council of Ireland said, “Luxury consumers globally are now embracing the rare object, the unique piece made by hand by a real person from a real place. Today’s contemporary craft makers are artist-designers, imagining and creating work of true character, with a passion and creativity that connects with the buyer on a deeper level than simple merchandise ever will.”
“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,” McGee concluded.

Adding to this, John Redmond, Creative Director of The Brown Thomas Group commented: “With ICON at Brown Thomas we are proud to embrace and support the work of the 16 talented designers who continue to shape and grow Irish craft both at home and on an international platform. 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.”

According to Karen Hennessy, Chief Executive of the Crafts Council of Ireland, ICON endorses the potential of indigenous craft and design in the luxury goods market. “Having the work of leading Irish makers featured alongside leading luxury brands from all over the world in the award winning and internationally acclaimed window displays at Brown Thomas is a major milestone for contemporary Irish craft,” she said.  “We are delighted to be working in partnership with such a flagship retail institution and I would like to congratulate and thank the team at Brown Thomas for their vision and commitment in bringing this exciting project to fruition.”