MAY/JUNE 1977
NEWSLETTER
Thomas Prior House, Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 Telephone 01 680764
COUNCIL POLICY Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of Slievebawn Cooperative Handcraft Market Limited, on 25 April, Mr E. F. Sutton, Executive Officer of Crafts Council of Ireland said that the role of Slievebawn could be seen now as much in the field of development as in marketing and this positive philosphy was reflected not only in the range of products they handled but also in the livelihood which they were creating for craftworkers. During the course of his speech, Mr Sutton referred to the general policy of the Crafts Council which he felt should have an initiative role in development. "Directed by a Board of 15 elected representatives of member organisations the objectives of Crafts Council include the encouragement and promotion of crafts as a distinct economic and cultural section of the community, the improvement of the economic well being of craftworkers, the raising of standards of craftsmanship, the provision of better training and educational facilities and the conservation of traditional crafts. Towards these ends the Council encourages the development of guilds or associations of craftworkers which are seen as a source of strength and which the Council represents and for whom it negotiates as required. As well as providing information of value for and about craftworkers, communi cating with them throuah reaular meetings and newsletters, the Council organises exhibitions, trade fairs and seminars; advises government on action towards the improvement of those facilities for the crafts which it sees necessary; and maintains contact with craft organisations overseas.
While the facilities of the secretariat are available to all craftworkers, those belonging to organisations are in a position to benefit more through the unified approach which can be made on their behalf by their organisation's representatives". Mr Sutton pointed out that the Council is not a grant giving organisations, although some funds are available, for specific projects of an initiative character which might otherwise not be available from state grant sources.
Mr Sutton pointed out that the total amount of funds which could be available in the form of ex gratia payments of this sort was very small, the Crafts Council not being a grant giving organisation, but that if the initiatives created proved as valuable as he hoped, perhaps in better times a budget towards these ends might be warranted. In the meantime the Crafts Council secretariat would continue to build up the information and communication service needed to enable the craft community to realise its potential.
Initiatives Expanding on the philosphy of initiative projects at the Slievebawn A.G.M., Mr Sutton said that it was to this area what small funds were available in the budget should be channelled. Such project he saw as those which in the initial stage would not ordinarily be eligible for grants but which, once initiated, would seek grants in the normal way from the various and appropriate grant giving authorities. Initiative projects might include those which would lead to the creation of a viable opening for employment; aim at the revival of an old craft with potential for commercial development; create interest in crafts in production terms in an area not previously experienced in crafts; conserve worthwhile knowledge of crafts or craft methods unique to the country; offer groups of craftworkers exposure to outside innovative influence for the overall good of the craft community; be a project for new thinking in relation to crafts which can benefit craftworkers generally; and new developments in the field of education in craft whether at student or public level.
Slievebawn AGM At the AGM of Slievebawn Cooperative Handcraft Market Limited, on 25 April the Chairman, Mrs Duignan, who was re-elected, announced a turnover figure for 1976 of over ÂŁ82,000 though the net profit increase was, because of inflation and other factors, only marginally better than 1975. An illuminating fact from the Chairman's report was that in the 13 years since the inception of Slievebawn craftworkers have benefited to the extent of over half a million pounds, 86% of which was direct payment for products.
"Currently, if I had the personal power to ban anything in the crafts, ! would ban whimsy . . . 'fun' ceramics make me reach for my hammer" Edward Lucie-Smith
Ceramic Review No.
DUTCH JEWELLERY EXHIBITION An exhibition of modern Dutch jewellery organised by the Crafts Council of Ireland with the help of the Royal Netherlands Embassy and the Arts Council opened at the Bank of Ireland head office in Baggot Street, Dublin on 16 May. It was accompanied by an exhibition of Dutch contemporary graphics. The exhibition closes on May 31.
WEXFORD, CORKS, ENNIS AND BELFAST to see DUTCH JEWELLERY EXHIBITION 56.17.2, the exhibition of Dutch jewellery (and the accompanying exhibition of Dutch contemporary graphics) will be shown in other cities and towns after it closes in Dublin on May 31. The following are the venues and dates: Wexford
The jewellery, most of which is based on aluminium and in which some of the Dutch craftworkers show what can be achieved using standard aluminium extrusions as the basic material, consists of 56 bracelets, 17 rings and 2 necklaces. The catalogue is well produced, informative and fully illustrated with both photographs and working drawings.
UK Visit The Executive Officer recently visited a number of UK craft bodies with which the Council has always maintained an excellent relationship. These included the Crafts Advisory Committee, the Federation of British Craft Societies, the British Craft Centre and the European office of the World Crafts Council, as well as the office of CRAFTS magazine.
The Arts Centre, 2 June — 15 June Cork Crawford Municipal Gallery, 20 June — 9 July Ennis deValera Library, 13 July - 30 July
Now in 1977 I have been to visit them in their homes. Mrs McDonagh spo'ke of her great happiness spinning till 2 a.m. She showed a white skirt for which she had spun the yarn. A weaver hand wove it an
The draft of the new Bylaws of the World Crafts Council, developed and prepared as a result of meetings in Oaxtepec during the General Assembly last year, has now been circulated for consideration by representatives. The objective of the new Bylaws is to provide an instrument which will suit the present situation and future policy and to organise the Bylaws in such a sequence of articles as will achieve a clear and easily understandable presentation of the purpose of the World Crafts Council. Of main interest are the changes in the organisational structure which will entitle the Regional (continental) Assemblies to initiatives and activities of their own. The draft Bylaws will be discussed at the European Regional Assembly in Poland in September, and the final document passed at the General Assembly in Kyoto next year.
Crafts Council of Ireland is the national entity or member of the Council representing Ulster Museum, 15 August — 10 September Ireland among the 90 other nations. Belfast
Craftsman's Study Tour
NCEA
Cecil Hyde, the Kilkenny wood turner and winner of the RDS development scholarship in 1976 is taking advantage of the scholarship money to study for a period in the Scandinavian countries to which he departed in early May.
To: Crafts Council of Ireland Newsletter Thomas Prior House Merrion Road Ballsbridge Dublin 4
RDS Competition
25 April 1977
A reminder that the closing date for entries is 1 July 1977.
Dear Sir As a contributor to the NCEA Policy Report on Art & Design Education, may I assure you that the crafts were very much a part of the deliberations of the authors and that this concern is reflected in the report. As the report was on the subject of art and design studies, these terms naturally dominate, but there is no reason to infer the crafts "may be considered of little concern".
Spinners in Connemara In 1973 I was lucky enough to visit-the Clifden Pony Show, Co. Galway, to see the competition there for carding, and spinning. I found two excellent spinners on the big wheel, Mrs Annie McDonagh of Carna, and Mrs Kate Coyne of Kilkeerm. I was particularly interested in how they started to work. The spindle was completely empty. They wrapped a little of the carded roll round it and drew out and spun a little yarn. This they took off and turned it round so that the spun end was wrapped round the spindle, and the soft end ready to join on to the carded roll.
WORLD CRAFTS COUNCIL
and then she cut it out and sewed it. She showed fine 2 ply spinning she had dyed with onions, crottle and ivy. She said that she had to be careful when putting out her washing on the stone wall to dry, because if there was any crottle on the wall, it would stain it permanently. Mrs Kate Coyle, now also over 80 years old, and not now spinning, said she remembered Miss Muriel Gahan's kindness in bringing her to the RDS to demonstrate. Not only are these women excellent spinners, but they have a special dignity and independence which is not often found, and I came away feeling it had been a priviledge to meet them and to speak to them. Lillias Mitchell April 1977
Yours sincerely
Paul P. Hogan Member of the Board of Art & Design Studies National Council for Educational Awards
Voluntary Health Insurance The Executive Officer of Crafts Council would like to hear from any craft workers contributing to the Voluntary Health Insurance scheme as it is possible to save 10% on the premium in a group scheme.
AOOOOHATnOM mM. ©TOIL© M E W DONEGAL
WEXFORD
CORK
Members of the Donegal Craftworkers Association assisted in the Crafts Week held from 9 to 13 May at the Fort Royal Hotel in Rathmullan.
Children's Festival
Reports from the Cork Craftsmans' Guild shop show it continuing to maintain a good turnover both for the production of the 18 members and for the many associate members whose work adds to the variety of products and makes the shop a centre for well designed gifts appreciated as such by both Cork citizens and visitors.
A survey of craftworkers in the Donegal area is being undertaken by the Association which is being helped in this task by the Donegal Federation of the ICA. The survey is seen as central to the development of the Donegal Craft worker Association particularly in relation to communicating w i t h craftworkers in the region anr advising them of the services available to them through the Association and its affiliation with the Crafts Council. 1
A General Meeting of the Association will be held in June. Up to time of publication the date had not been announced. Donegal Craftworkers' Association has now become a member of Crafts Council of Iretend.
Ardara Traditional Craftworkers Week A n exhibition of traditional Ardara crafts was held on March 30 at the Nesbitt Arms Hotel by the Ardara craftworkers, whose chairman is Olive Baskin of Ardara and secretary/ treasurer is Peggy McGill of Maghera. The-exh'bition was attended by Mr Guy Stevenson, chairman, and other members of the Donegal Craftworkers' Association. The Ardara craftworkers have procured a temporary crafts centre in the old school at Leconnell and it is hoped to use the centre to sell their w o r k .
GALWAY A t a meeting on April 5 in the Odeon Hotel in Galway it was decided to form a crafts association under the title The Galway Association for Craftworkers, and that it would affiliate with the Crafts Council. A constitution has been adopted by the Working Committee, the Chairman of which is Mr T. Byrne of Kinvara Handcrafts Co-op, the Secretary being Mr D. Buggy, Assistant County Develop ment Officer. The encouragement towards the formation of an association has come from the Glaway County Development Team which, through Mr Buggy, w i l l continue to assist the development of craft in the Galway area.
Wexford Arts Centre presented their second Children's Festival f r o m 9—11 A p r i l . A n exhibition by County Wexford craftworkers was held in the Arts Centre for the duration of the Festival and demonstrations of craft were given by Bessie French (spinning, carding and lumra), Dorothy Odium (weaving), Bill Godkin (pottery), and Seamus MacMathuna (bag pipe chanters). Craftworker exhibitors included Sheila Harold, Mae Bradshaw, Pat Dolan and Peter and Majorie Clark and useful trade and private buyer contacts were made. A bonus was 7 new members for the Wexford Craftworkers' Association.
SLIGO A t the first Annual General Meeting of the Northwest Craftworkers Association, Mr John O'Leary was elected chairman and Miss Kathleen Cox as Honorary Secretary of the Association w i t h Mrs Ita McMorrow as Honorary Treasurer. The Association plans to hold an open day at the end of May in Sligo.
WICKLOW A t the Grand Hotel in Wicklow on 28 of A p r i l a meeting of over t h i r t y craft workers and others interested agreed on a working committee to take the formation of a Wicklow Craftworker Association to a further stage and discuss a suitable constitution. The meeting was convened by Mr T o m Broderick the Wicklow County Development Officer and Mr E. F. Sutton, Executive Officer of Crafts Council of Ireland, spoke t o the craftworkers and answered questions at the open discussion which followed.
KERRY The Kerry Craftworkers' Association mounted an exhibition to coincide with Pan Celtic week in Killarney during the 11-15 May.
NORTHERN IRELAND Mr James Warwick, representative of the Arts Advisory Committee of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland has been elected to fill the remaining vacancy on the Management Committee of Crafts Council. Mr Warwick, a past chairman of the Council, will act as a focal point in Northern Ireland around which it is hoped that the nucleus of a guild or association of craftworkers in the area will gather.
CLARE Clare Craftworkers' Association are cooperating w i t h the Clare branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri for their fleadh in June. The Association will be mounting a mini-exhibition and sales fair w i t h demonstrations.
Secondary Schools Handcraft Competition This competition, organised by the Clare Craftworkers' Association, was the basis of an exhibition opened during late March by the Minister for the Gaeltacht, Mr Tom O'Donnell, T.D. in the de Valera Library and Museum in Ennis. Winner of the best overall prize was Nigel Malone of Christian Brothers' School, Kilrush and Laurence Keane of the Kilkee Vocational School w o n the prize for Rare Traditional Craft. The Minister in his speech referred to the position of crafts in an increasingly industrialised society, "While we are looking to a major expansion in industrial activity to provide the employment we need in this country, the craft industries will always occupy a soecial place. Indeed, as living standards improve and as the range and variety of mass produced goods increases, people tend to show a keener interest in those articles which express the skill and individuality of The craftworker". The success of the schools' craft competition was such that it looks as though this will be an annual event.
IRISH SUPPLIERS for T E X T I L E CRAFTS
SOME LOCAL DISTRIBUTORS
* Blackstaff Threads Limited, Springfield Road, Belfast 12 Warp yarns
* Lister Machine Tools, Dorset Street, Dublin 1. Telephone 01 302299 WENGERS: clays, glazes, and potters equipment
* Weinberger Brothers, Macroom, Co. Cork Rug yarns * Rug Plan, Tivoli Mills, Cork Rug yarns * V'Soske Joyce, Oughterard, Co. Galway Rug yarns * O'Brien Brothers (Spinners) Limited, Kinsale Road, Cork Carpet yarns * Youghal Carpet Group (including Navan and Kincora), Youghal, Co. Cork Waste yarns * Hill & Sons Limited, Lucan, Co. Dublin Woollen yarns * Botany Weaving Mills, Vauxhall Avenue, Dublin 8 Woollen yarns * Samuel Lumb& Son Limited, Sligo Woollen yarns * Dripsey Woollen Mills, Dripsey, Co. Cork Woollen yarns * Tullamore Yarns Limited, Tullamore, Co. Offaly Worsted yarns * Glencolumbkille Craft Shop, Anne Street, Dublin 2 Spinning wheels
Spinning Workshop The National College of Art and Design was the venue for the spinning workshop organised by the Irish Guild of Weaver, Spinners and Dyers from March 25 to March 31. The tutor was Miss Morfudd Roberts from Wales, a recognised authority on wool and spinning. Twelve students attended from as far away as Dingle and Wexford. Sorting of fleece, the handling of long fibres and spinning without carding were among the techniques demonstrated and practised. Illustrated lectures on 'Wool, Linen and Silk' by Lillias Mitchell and 'Lace' by Cecile O'Donohoe were interesting additions to the week's activities. The Wool Council and the Jessie Mitchell Trust provided financial help to enable the seminar to take place.
* Irish Thread Manufacturing Co. Ltd., 23 Thomas Street, Dublin 8. Telephone 01 752595 BARBOUR THREADS LIMITED * M. Kennedy & Sons, 12 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2. Telephone 01 751749 JW RATCLIFFE & CO. LTD.: potters wheels * J T Russell & Co. Ltd., 6 - 7 French Church Street, Cork. Telephone 021 21015 PODMORE: clays, glazes and potters' equipment * Vincent MacDowell Ltd., 96 Patrick Street, Dun Laoghaire. Telephone 01 806700 HARRISON MAYER LTD: clays, glazes and potters equipment * D Matthews Limited, Academy Street, Cork! Telephone 021 55655 ATLAS CRAFT: hobby craft supplies
Craft Pottery Seminar Vincent McDowell Limited, Irish agents and stockists for Harrison Mayer Limited of Stoke held a Craft Pottery Seminar in Dun Laoghaire on April 15 and 16 to launch the new Crafts Centre at 96 Patrick Street, Dun Laoghaire. The new Crafts Centre will stock products for the craft and hobby potter as well as enamelling kits and other craft requirements.
New Edition of Guide The Crafts in Ireland, a guide for tourists to the location and purchase of craftwork in Ireland wnd which is a joint publication by Bord Failte and Crafts Council of Ireland is being updated and the new edition, in changed format and with additional information, is expected to be available in early June.
Boat Building at Kinvara Kinvara Handcraft Co-operative Society announced at their annual general meeting in April that they intend to start a boat building industry at Kinvara, and with orders already in hand to keep the project in work for the next two years and three people employed will commence operations towards the end of May.
Dunguaire Castle Too late for inclusion in the March/April issue of the Newsletter but still of use to date is the news that Duhguaire Castle has space to accommodate two craft workers interested in moving West for the summer. One room is available in the castle now until the end of September, at a small rent. The castle operates a seven day week, therefore it is suggested that two craftsmen, either working together or in complementary disciplines, might book the work/selling space, in order to take full advantage of the situation. The available space is in the upper storey which inevitably excludes potters or heavy equipment. Dunguaire offers a captive market, with 15,000 people expected this season.
Students Demonstrate National College of Art students demonstrated carding and spinning at the Wool Council Stand during the Spring Show and Breeda Noonan, a diploma student in woven textiles, was featured spinning wools on a Donegal wheel on the Late Late Show. Breeda was an exhibitor in the All Ireland Crafts Exhibition 1976.
Newsletter A competition was initiated in the January/February edition to name our Newsletter. There was a dissapointing entry both in numbers and inventiveness, and none of the names suggested were considered entirely suitable, either because of their length or not fully presenting the required image. Is it possible that the poor entry is indicative of poor circulation — almost 500 copies were distributed and we got less than a 5% response, which for a closed circulation is not good. Readers' reactions to the Newsletter are always welcome. SUBSCRIPTIONS 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.
July Issue The latest date on which copy for the July/August issue can be accepted is 21 June 1977.