From Trees to Treasures: Exhibition Showcases

ATU Connemara’s Expertise in Furniture Design and Making

Farmleigh Gallery in Phoenix Park is currently hosting the Trees to Treasures exhibition which showcases work by students, staff and graduates of ATU Connemara. The exhibition runs until 27 August and is open to the public. The exhibition focuses on the transition of trees into beautiful and treasured creations, drawing influence from numerous sources, including experience, aesthetics, functionality and the exceptional natural beauty of the campus’s location on the west coast of Ireland.

Over the last twenty years the Office of Public Works (OPW) has worked with ATU, initially with work placement students, advancing to collaborative projects and exhibitions for government departments, Historic Houses and Museums, to the most recent Circular Economy project with Farrell Furniture on sustainability and furniture reuse.

Paul Biesty, Chief Technical Officer at the OPW Furniture Branch highlighted the importance of this relationship with the OPW and the promotion of this exhibition to showcase the dynamic skills on display and creativity of the students, staff and graduates.

“As a former student of ATU, we were always delighted to have the opportunity to work on live projects. This allowed us to gain exposure to a working environment, dealing directly with the client while receiving constructive feedback as part of our learning journey.”

Paul Biesty, Chief Technical Officer, OPW Furniture Branch

“Our programmes are renowned nationally and internationally for the exceptional quality of applied technological education in the fields of furniture and wood product design and manufacture, teacher education, development, origination and creativity, fine furniture making and focused research. These programmes are dynamic, alert and responsive to the needs of industry, society and to the ongoing development of the Irish economy.”

Photos from the Trees to Treasure Exhibition

Top: Circle of mallets from various woods made by a team of ATU Connemara students.

Right: Sligo Chair made from oak with walnut detailing by Ann Marie Woods

Below: ‘Níl Uainn Ach an Talamh’ made from Connemara marble, bog oak, fibreglass pole and Connemara carpet by Luca McMorrough pictured Catherine O’Connell and John McMorrough.

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