CRAFTS COUNCIL OF IRELAND... Thomas Prior House, Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 Telephone 01 680764
PROFESSIONALS In a recent comment in the Newsletter of the Crafts Council of Australia Resources Centre the question of what is a professional craftsman is posed and likewise that of when does a hobbyist become a professional, or at what percentage of ones income from crafts does one become a professional craftworker. The answer is not suggested as being in money terms at all but in the approach, the attitude to craftsmanship, and an interesting phrase is used — that of 'keeping faith', which is interpreted as good craftsmanship, meticulous standards, delivering goods of quality, on time — a professional approach in fact, not only in terms of the capability of producing, of knowledge of materials, of originality of design, but also in being business like about it. The "division" which is sometimes created in discussion and which might be construed as an attempt to relegate
Crafts Council Medal for Musical Instrument Maker The Crafts Council of Ireland silver medal for work of outstanding merit at the RDS National Crafts Competition was won by William D. Patterson of Cuskinny, Cobh. Willism Patterson, an American, has been conducting classes in musical instrument making at the Regional Technical College in Cork for the past year and the treble viol which won the medal is an example of his own expertise in this field. The Crafts Council of Ireland has been closely involved in the encouragement of the formation of a Guild of Musical Instrument Makers which is now a reality.
the part timers to a lower place in the heirarchy than the craftworkers earning all their living from their work, is not always valid. The exclusion is not created other than by the craftworkers themselves, for if their approach is sloppy, their ideas not original, lacking innovation or taken from the how to do it books, and their craftsmanship less than meticulous, then they cannot expect recognition. Crafts Council is an organisation com prising many organisations which in turn are made up of craftworkers of varying degrees of skill. The Council is not an exclusive club for a certain type of professional in the wide sense of the term, but is there to be of assistance to all craftworkers who have, or have the will to attain, the professional attitudes, whether they be a rushworker earning what used to be termed pin money, or a recognised master craftsman.
Minister Opens Meeting of Mayo Craftworkers Mr Denis Gallagher, TD, Minister for the Gaeltacht, opened a meeting of Mayo craftworkers on 15 July at which a proposal to set up a working committee leading to the formation of a Mayo Craftworkers' Association was adopted. The Minister described the proposal as a praiseworthy objective and said that "as Minister for the Gaeltacht — where handcrafts have always been practisedand as a native and Deputy of this country, I particularly welcome what you now propose to do".
Centuries of Wool-Ireland Bank of Ireland Exhibition Centre, Baggot Street, Dublin 2 Exhibition Centre hours, opening 4 pm, 16 September until 1 pm 8 October. 10-5 Monday/Friday and 10—1 Saturdays. The exhibition, which is being mounted with the cooperation of the National Museum of Ireland is a broad look at Irish woollen textiles from the earliest evidence of a textile impression on pottery dated to about 1500 BC through various periods, illustrated by artifacts and photographs to the late 19th century and the present day. The exhibition is not attempting to show the artistically outstanding, but neverthe less will have items, especially contem porary items, of a high degree of crafts manship and design, and while certain textile examples will of necessity be machine woven, the majority will be hand crafted and all produced in Ireland. The catalogue will contain detailed references to all items and photographs. Of the body of material on display, much of it will be new to the viewing public.
Irish Weaver in THREAD 1977 Muriel Beckett, a member of the Irish Guild of Weavers, Spinners, and Dyers, had two of her weaving pieces accepted for Thread 1977 organised by the English Guilds in London in June.
Crafts Council of Ireland recently asked a number of government funded agencies, which are members of the Council, to provide a brief synopsis of their objectives, particularly where these related to the craftworker. The last issue of the Newsletter reproduced the replies of Gaeltarra Eireann, Irish Goods Council and Kilkenny Design Workshops. In this issue we print another, and will include others in future issues.
Bord Failte Bord Failte is the National Tourism Authority set up by the Government under the Tourist Traffic Act 1939. The primary function of the Bord is to develop tourist traffic to and within Ireland. Bord Failte's involvement in traditional handcrafts as souvenirs for visitors goes back many years. Initially the concern of the Bord was to ensure good! standards but later, as revenue from the purchase of souvenirs became a significant element in the total tourism revenue the involvement was expanded to cover all purchases of goods by visitors. The Bord cooperates closely with Crafts Council and the other Semi-State organisations involved in craft production and marketing. The Bord's interest now takes the form of a Retail Advisory Unit, based in Upper Stephen Street, Dublin 8. The main functions of the Unit are as follows: * Providing a retail advisory service to assist producers to sell their products to retailers. Advice is given on market potential and on pricing, labelling etc. Continuing market and consumer research to monitor customer needs is undertaken. * Retailers can see a range of Irish made quality products, and are assisted in purchasing in the Advisory Unit showroom by advice, by liaison with producers and by providing relevant market information. * Retailers are advised on improving their merchandising, e.g. display and stocking of products, location and viability of retail outlet. * Staging promotional exhibitions of quality Irish products throughout the country to increase awareness of good design and workmanship.
* Production of an annual directory of producers; a sellers guide to gift shops and a visitors guide to shops and workshops. * Encouraging new producers into the market and existing producers to increase production. Demand exceeds supply in very many of the best selling quality products. * Encouraging new retailers into tourist areas at present lacking good retail outlets. The Unit is operated by Miss Blanaid Reddin and Mrs Ursula Power. Producers and retailers are welcome to visit the Unit between 10.00 am and 4.30 pm from Tuesday to Friday (by appointment).
RDS National Crafts Competition 1977 A total of 470 items were entered this year in the RDS competition including a greatly increased entry from Northern Ireland craftworkers. The judges were: Mr Alan Tilbury, Des RCA, FSIA, College of Art
Royal
Mr H. Jefferson Barnes, Director, Glasgow School of Art Mrs Alison J. Erridge, Newmarket-onFergus, Co. Clare Lady Mahon, A TD, NDD, Co. Wicklow The winning craftworkers in the various classes were as follows: Pottery for Use: Terri O'Farrell, Plymouth, Devon Decorative and Sculptural Ceramics: Ann Pitcairn McGladdery, Belfast Jewellery:
NCAD Student's Work to be featured in Woojlen Textile Exhibition. National College of Art and Design student Louise O'Brien's graphic work on Viking tablet weaving is to be part of the woollen textile exhibition being organised by Crafts Council with the cooperation of the National Museum and also a number of organisations more directly connected with the weaving craft. The exhibition, at the Bank of Ireland Exhibition Centre in Baggot Street, Dublin will be from September 16 October 8 and will be open MondayFridays from 10—5 and Saturday from 10-1.
Crafts Exhibition Parliamentary Secretary's first function Mrs Maire Geoghegan-Quinn, TD, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry and Commerce performed her first official function by opening the Mayo Crafts Exhibition in Westport in July. Speaking at the opening, Mrs GeogheganQuinn said, "It is vitally important to promote the revival of home and Irish crafts not alone in Mayo but in the entire western region, and I will impress on Desmond O'Malley, my Minister, to give every assistance to the revival of these crafts".
Desmond Anthony Byrne, Kilkenny Wood: Cecil Hyde, Kells Mills, Kilkenny Musicial Instruments: William D. Patterson, Cobh Rod, Rush and Straw Work: Mary C. Landy, Carlow Floor Rugs, Knee Rugs, Bed Covers: Muriel Beckett, Dun Laoghaire Tapestry and Wall Hangings: Emma Vesey, Dublin Junko Okamura, Dublin Lace: Mary Agnes Gunn, Fivemiletown, Tyrone Decorative Embroidery: Rosaleen M. J. Ogilvie, Carrickfergus The California Gold Medal was won by Mary Agnes Gunn for a luncheon set in lace. There were no first prize winners in the categories of glass, stained giass, metal, smithwork, gold and silver work, enamelling, weaving, printed cloth, resist dyed fabric, batik or tie dying, woven or embroidered articles for ceremonial use.
OBITUARY As we go to press we learn of the untimely death of Cecil Hyde. A delightful example of a man, happy in his craftsmanship. Whether turning wood or soaring kites, his meticulous work should be a guideline for others. To his wife. Lex, we extend our sympathy.
A m n x o i iA T O M amfl emniLP M E W The Crafts Council established a definite policy of encouraging the formation of craftworker associations or guilds at county or district level some years ago. These associations were seen to be an essential source of strength and unity for craftworkers and a key to communication an an exchange of information between the craftworker and the Council. Below is printed a complete list of the regional organisations which are members of the Council to date, and the names and addresses of their chairmen and hon. secretaries. CLARE CRAFTWORKERS' ASSOCIATION Chairman Mr Tom Sheedy Bunratty Castle & Folkpark Bunratty Co. Clare Hon. Sec. Mr John Costellor Courthouse Ennis Co. Clare CEARD CHUMMAN CHIARRAI Chairman Mr Edmond Myers Muckross House Killarney Co. Kerry Hon. Sec. Rossala Ward Ardrinnean Anascaul Co. Kerry CORK CRAFTSMAN'S GUILD Chairman Jim O'Donnell Old Blarney Road Clogheen Cork Hon. Sec. MS Adele Conor The Pottery Schull Co. Cork DONEGAL CRAFTWORKERS' ASSOCIATION Chairman Mr Guy Stephenson Donogh O'Malley Regional Technical College Letterkenny Co. Donegal
Hon. Sec. Leonard Roarty Donegal County Development Team County House Lifford Co. Donegal
GALWAY ASSOCIATION OF CRAFTWORKERS Chairman Mr Toddie Byrne Kinvara Handcraft Co-op Society Ltd. Kinvara Co. Galway Hon. Sec. Mr D. Buggy Galway County Development Team County Buildings Galway IRISH GUILD OF WEAVERS, SPINNERS AND DYERS Treasurer Muriel Beckett 3a Lower Georges Street Dun Laoghaire Co. Dublin Hon. Sec. Miss Lillias Mitchell 25 Hillside Drive Dublin 14
(Gorey Branch, Wexford Craftworker^ ) Hon. Sec. W. Stedmond Wood vale Gorey Hill Gorey Co. Wexford DONEGAL The Letterkenny Regional Technical College was host to the Oireachtas Art Exhibition from 24 August to 3 September. This is the first time the exhibition has been held in Donegal and it coincides with the Oireachtas in Gweedore and the Letterkenny Folk Festival. The students of the Art and Design Department of the College held an exhibition of their own art, ceramics and other crafts simultaneously with the Oireachtas Exhibition. CORK £100 Scholarship Dorothy Cross, a Cork student at Leicester Polytechnic, won a £100 scholarship at the RDS National Crafts Competition. Her jewellery has been on sale at Cork Craftsman's Guild shop'in Cork.
NORTH WEST REGIONAL CRAFTWORKERS' GUILD Chairman Mr John O'Leary Regional Technical College Ballinode Sligo Hon. Sec. Kathleen Cox Regional Technical College Ballinode Sligo WEXFORD CRAFTWORKERS' ASSOCIATION Chairman Mr Richard Reid Wexford Arts Centre Cornmarket Wexford Hon. Sec. Mrs Betty Craig Preshute Carnew Co. Wexford
CLARE Conference: Knitting Today Clare Craftworkers' Association is planning a conference covering al aspects of contemporary knitting for the 4—5 November 1977 at Bunratty Folk Park. This conference will be open to all knitters from the home knitter to the industrial and creative designer, and a varied programme is being devised to include lectures, demonstrations, and exhibitions. 1
There is a booking fee of 50p to cover administrative costs, the conference otherwise being free. Overnight accommodation in local hotels can be arranged through Clare Craftworkers' Association and applications to attend the conference should be made to Mr Tom Sheedy, Bunratty Folk Park, Bunratty, Co. Clare. Tel.: 061 61511.
Slide Kits The following four slide kits have been received from the Australian Crafts Council Resources Centre: "Sam Herman at the Jam Factory" 30 slides showing an exhibition of Sam Herman's glass at the Jam Factory Gallery in Adelaide at the end of 1975. Sam Herman, an American craftman, is one of the major figures in the studio glass movement and has lectured at many glass workshops. "Miniatures in Fibre" 26 slides of an exhibition held in the Distlefink Gallery in Melbourne for which craftsworkers from Australia and overseas were invited to submit works no larger than 26cm. by 26cm. Works by Archie Brennan, William Jeffries, Janet Brereton, Arline Fisch, Ben Shearer and others are included and many different fibre techniques are illustrated. "Tie Dyed Wefts and Rag Rugs" 35 slides of a series devoted to various aspects of rug making. This particular set deals with the Ikat technique in which the yarn as distinct from the whole fabric is tied, dyed and then woven. "Starting and Finishing" 42 slides in the same series, the first half of which gives examples of basic equipment and the first steps in making three different types of rugs on two different looms, the other half being devoted to a range of finishes which can be applied to rugs.
All slide kits have a simple and clearly set out booklet accompanying them from which a short lecture, using the slides, can be given. These kits, and the kits already in the library at Thomas Prior House — "Calligraphy", "Early Musical Instruments", and "Weaving" are available on loan to associations or guilds, lecturers, teachers and others. The conditions are not onerous. Applications should arrive at the Crafts Council at least two weeks before the date for which slide kits are required. Slides must be returned either personally or by registered post and in the original postal container. Slides must be returned punctually on or before the date they are due back. Slides must not be projected for more than 60 seconds at a time. Borrowers must pay the cost of replacing any slides lost or damaged while in their care. All slides are copyright and must not be copied or reproduced in any form. Hiring charges will be as follows: 0 - 3 0 slides £1.00 up to 60 slides £1.50 up to 100 slides £2.00 It is hoped to acquire further slide kits, and similar kits related to Irish craftwork and exhibitions are being assembled. Details of these will be announced in future issues.
HuonPine This rare and unique timber has recently become available commercially. It is found only in Tasmania and the volume available is limited. A very slow growing timber, with tree ages from 500 to 1,500 years, it is yellow blonde in colour and very close grained with a wide range of grain and figure characteristics, yet it is easily worked. Inherent in the timber is an essential oil which makes it smooth and silky to the touch and resistant to deterioration in outside applications. It is wood obviously not for the amateur. Any woodcraftsman interested can obtain further details from IXL Timber Pty. Ltd.,. 20 Garden Street, South Yarra, Victoria, Australia 3141.
Federation of
"THE BOWL' This proposed exhibition is intended both as a demonstration of co-operation among the craftsmen of Europe and to show the museums in Europe the quality, creativity and individuality of the cultural contribution made by craftsmen of the diverse craft organisations in the European membership of the World Crafts Council. The theme "The Bowl" has been chosen because the bowl is one of the most universal forms of craftsmanship. It is the simplest utensil of everyday life since earliest times, made from the simplest materials, but can be the most sophisticated of ceremonial objects and made from the most precious materials with intricate skill. The intention is that beginning with the Rohsska Museum in Goteborg, Sweden, which has accepted responsibility for the first showing, in January 1978, other museums or national galleries will show the exhibition in time over a period of 18 months. Each country taking part will be permitted to select for exhibition a number of bowls representing the absolute best in craftsmanship at international level, and it is hoped to have an entry from Ireland.
"Tell them to meet together from time to time, discuss their problems, help each other, just talk, but meet together; don't work in complete isolation". Bernard Leach to Angus MacLeod earlier this year and reported by him in Craftwork, the Scottish craft magazine, and addressed to the potters of Aberdeen. How apt the advice is, however, to all craftworkers, and to crafts guilds and associations who may sometimes wonder why, when their achievements appear scant to them.
British Craft Societies Furniture-maker and designer, foundermember and ex-Chairman of the Surrey Crafts Association, Sandy Mackilligin has been elected new Chairman of the Federation of British Craft Societies. The Federation was formed in 1970 to represent all craft societies in one single body; currently it represents over 60 groups, and is in receipt of a grant from the Crafts Advisory Committee to enable it to promote the work of member societies and represent the craft profession.
November Issue The latest date on which copy for the November/December issue can be accepted is 18 October 1977. The subscription rate for organisations or individuals wishing to have the Newsletter sent to them on publication has been set at £1.00 per annum, post paid, for the six issues.