JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1984
Crafts Council of Ireland Thomas Prior House Merrion Road Dublin 4
RECORD SALES AGAIN The 8th National Crafts Trade Fair, which was opened by Minister of State Eddie Collins TD, Minister with resonsibility for the craft sector, on 16th January, was, like its predecessor, a marked success. Direct order taken at the Fair were up by 50% as were export sales. When the fair ended after three days trading, orders recorded amounted to marginally over £3.3 million. The export content has been estimated at £1.6 million. Judging by the number of letters received by the Council from exhibitors, the majority were happy with the results and with the general organisation. For the first time the fair extended its limits beyond the RDS Industries Hall and into the second hall which was mainly devoted to producers of giftware. While the main reason for a second hall was to accommodate those companies marginally related to the crafts sector, whose business was in the same market place and with the same buyers. In 1983 many of these companies operated outside the limitations of the National Crafts Trade Fair and drew many of the export buyers away from the fair for one whole day. This year all 150 plus export buyers remained solidly buying from day one to day three. Once again textiles as a general category recorded the most sales at £1.9 million with knitwear alone accounting for almost half of that total.
Mr. P. White, Managing Director, IDA, Justin Keating, Crafts Council Chairman, Minister of State Eddie Collins TD with Joanne and Charlie Smith of Waterford Bronze, new exhibitors at the 8th National Crafts Trade Fair. Joe Heather, Catherine, Michael, Addrienne and Gabrielle on their stand.
Telephone 680764 / 603070
TRAINING ESSENTIAL SAYS MINISTER Opening the 8th National Crafts Trade Fair, the Minister of State at the Department of Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism, Mr. Eddie Collins TD said that in order to ensure growth the craftsman of tomorrow will have to be fully skilled not only in their craft but also in the necessary disciplines of business and marketing skills.
The Trade Fair, the Minister saw as "very much a celebration of our achieve ments in developing a thriving crafts industry over the past decade. In Ireland, we have a wealth of talent, flair and initiative and these have been successfully harnessed by our community of craft workers who are now producing products of the highest quality. The Trade Fair is the perfect show-case for these products and is invaluable in raising the profile of the Irish crafts industry".
"I hope the Council will concern itself with this area because without first class training we are unlikely to see the sector producing those products through what in the years ahead the crafts sector in Ireland can become internationally known for: its quality, artistry and innovation".
"The organisation by the Crafts Council of this its Eighth National Crafts Trade Fair, is evidence of the important role which the Council plays in stimulating activity in the craft sector. This year, there are 258 exhibitors taking part, compared to 34 in 1977, when the first Crafts Fair was held. This figure is even
INBUCON INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CONSULTANTS
Designer — Textiles A long established West of Ireland firm in a traditional craft industry wishes to recruit a Designer to augment its existing management team. The Position: Reports to the Chief Designer and carries responsibility for assisting in the development and marketing of fabrics, with the main emphasis on furnishings. Duties will include customer liaison, the selection of yarn, and the weaving of samples. The Person: • Will have a formal design qualification in textiles including weaving. • Will have at least 3 years' experience in wool furnishings and/or apparel, plus some experience of wool/linen mixes.
more impressive when one realises that the actual exhibitors represent more than 5,000 full and part-time craft workers". The Minister drew attention to the presence at the fair of buyers from the UK, Continental Europe and America. He referred to this as being "a direct result of the close co-operation between the Council and other agencies, not directly involved in the craft sector, such as Bord Failte, the Irish Goods Council, and especially, Coras Trachtala. CTT has been particularly active in promoting the National Crafts Trade Fair abroad as a major source of Irish handcrafts and giftware products. Last year, CTT brought in more than 70 buyers from overseas and export sales at the Fair amounted to £1 m. This year, they are bringing in over 100, and this is clearly a tribute both to the Fair as a source venue for craft products and to the products themselves. "Craft enterprises are now more efficient and more commercially oriented: they are becoming more productive and increasingly aware of the need to produce top quality goods and to provide first class service. These developments are of great importance for the future growth of the industry, particularly if it is to take advantage of the growing market opportunities abroad".
MAKE AN EGGCUP Kilkenny Design has announced that it is holding an exhibition of eggcups in its shops in Dublin and Kilkenny in April. A jury will consider for the exhibition new eggcups in any material made by any one in Ireland, which must be submitted to Kilkenny Design Workshops, Kilkenny by March 26th.
• Will ideally be fluent in French and/or German. • Will have some practical marketing experience. The Rewards: An attractive remuneration package, including a contributory pension and life assurance scheme will be offered to the successful person. Assistance towards relocation expenses, where appropriate, will be paid. Replies, in confidence, quoting Reference No. 161 to: P. J . Feeney, Advisor to the Company, Inbucon Ireland Limited, 28 L r . Leeson Street, Dublin 2. Tel: Dublin 762508/762517.
SOURCE OF RUSH All rushworkers will be interested to know that a youth group in Leighlinbridge, with the help of Mary Landy, is studying the feasibility of cutting and harvesting the very high quality rush from the river Barrow. Harvesting would be in August and supplies available soon after. They would like to hear sooonest from rushworkers interested in supply source, so that this project can come to fruition. Please let Mrs. Mary Landy, Ballinabranna, Milford, Co. Carlow know.
CRAFT FAIR AWARDS ... The Crafts Council of Irefand Annual Awards for th& best .stand, at the National GraftSoTsadeJtfci/ were this,year awarded by-the jury to. Curlew Desfgosifpr the best stand in the soft goods category and to Sceramics for the category of hard goods — usuaH^'GO\?ering ceramics, leather, woodwork,/toysetc. The jury, recommenctedrthat a third prize be awarded this year to cover stands in which there is a mix of both hard and softwoods. Thve award was given to the stamd by Angela Forte, Mel Bradley and Brenda QBrieAfor their sMJIful blending of mixed "goods in their stand. The awards are made for the best stand design in a tfrSde fajr context, so that among the criteria judged are not only the products and how they are presented but literature, graphics and attitude.
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Curlew Designs are based in Boyle, Co. Roscommon and their product range is 100% wool hand spun, hand knitted ladies sweaters and hats. Sceramics are based in Clonee, Co. Meath and theyk produce an unusual and amusing range of ceramic containers, largely anthropomorphic. Forte, Bradley and O'Brien are respectively a weaver, textile printer and ceramicist and are all "graduates" of 1982 at the Kilworth Craft Workshops. The short list from which the jury made their final choice and announced by them was: Tedagh Candles; Bradley, Forte, O'Brien; Geoffrey Healy; Curlew Designs; Kilgobbin Lines; Forde Crafts; Anne Murray; Judy Greene, Silin Toys; Sceramics; Dillie Colfer and Stoneen Joinery.
IDA AWARD The IDA Trophy for the best product range fulfilling the criteria set out for the jury was won by Cormac Cuffe, Silversmith of Dalkey. Cormac has been an exhibitor at the National Crafts Trade Fair for many years, during which his own skills and his range of products have shown consistent improvement. The award was presented to Cormac Cuffe by IDA Executive Director Pat O'Brien at a reception at IDA offices. Mr. O'Brien commenting on Cormac Cuffes' range of folklore jewellery said that the range was uniquely Irish, and that the craftsman had "brought our folklore to life through his successful combination of Ireland's heritage of folklore and tradition with his own remarkable skills, making him a worthy recipient of the trophy".
DESIGN IN SCANDINAVIA The Danish Institute for Information about Denmark's Cultural Cooperation with other Nations, Det Danske Selskab is again offering seminars and courses of interest for 1984. The seminar with the most relevance and of the most likely interest for craftsmen and other related to the craft sector is Design in Scandinavia. This is a travelling seminar, taking in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, to study the arts and crafts of those countries as well as applied art and industrial design. The dates are August 19-31 and the cost exclusive of travel to and from the starting point of Copenhagen is 8,500 Danish Kroner. The language of the seminar is English and the seminar is open to professionals and to graduate and advanced students engaged in the subject concerned. The deadline for application is 15th June 1984 and since the number of participants is confined to 25, early application is recommended. The seminar costs include accommodation in twin bedrooms, three meals daily with some exceptions, lectures, transport and all other organised activities. Among the visits offered will be those to the Museum of Applied Arts, Helsinki, the new Finnish Glass Museum, the Marimekko Factory, the former studio of Saarinen and Geselius; a tour of Stockholm and the Design Centre the collection of Scandinavia Modern; visits to the Norwegian Crafts Market, visits to factories, showrooms, Museum of of Decorative Arts and so forth. Details from Der Danske Selskab, Kultorvet 2 DK-1175 Copenhagen K, Denmark.
Mel Bradley, Brenda O'Brien and Angela Forte setting up their award winning stand. Albert Boulier of Polycrafts on setting up day.
m m CHUJURD
HG OF KERRY
MID-WEST C R A F T AWARDS
VAT EASED AND IMPOSED
INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION
The Executive Officer of the Crafts Council, Mr. E. F. Sutton was asked by Shannon Development to present the prizes in this years Mid West Craft Awards.
In the 1984 Budget, the Minister for Finance announced his intention to introduce a new scheme to allow a refund on VAT on goods bought in this country by visitors and taken home by them.
Bratislava in Czechoslovakia is to be the host town for an International Exhibition of Glass and Ceramics in October 1984.
The Mid-West Craft Award Scheme was originally launched in 1980 by Shannon Development to encourage people with ideas and initiative to put forward proposals for new craft projects. This year, the emphasis of the Scheme was changed from previous years to concentrate on re-organising a sustained effort to achievement on the part of existing or new craft projects in the Region. The 1983 competition was designed to encourage craftspeople to develop their projects in a professional manner, with the overall performance of the 25 entries being monitored throughout the year. An increase in employment of 16 jobs was recorded during the year amongst seven of the craft people entered for the competition. Mr. Sutton complimented all those who had entered for the 1983 scheme for their initative and skill in developing worth while craft enterprises as well as employ ment. He drew attention to the fact that there are now 200 people employed in 74 craft projects approved by Shannon Development throughout the Mid-West. Employment is projected to grow to 697 when these firms reach full potential. The awards were made as follows: — For the firm considered to have the best achievement during the year in the New craft Project Category (confined to operations established within 12 months prior to May 9, 1983) the award of £500 went to Alison Kaye of the Weavers Cottage in Whitegate, Co. Clare. The best achievement in the Soft Goods Category was adjudged to be accomplished by Ballycar Design of Ballycasey Workshops, Shannon, Co. Clare and the award of £500 was made to Alison Erridge and Michele Hughes. For its achievement during the year in the area of preserving the ancient tradition of felt making by producing a range of handcrafted felt jackets, hats, waistcoats, wall hangings, rugs and toys, the overall winner of the Third Mid-West Craft Award was Scythian Fleece of Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare. Kaethe Burt O'Dea from the Ballyvaughan firm received her prize, the perpetual trophy and a cheque for £1,500.
While tourists have in a torturous way been able to avail of this sort of relief already if the retailer was prepared to deliver the puchase to the airport or sea port, it is now envisaged that tourists will be able to claim relief on production of their purchase receipt at the port of exit. The scheme, due to begin in March, will certainly make those products carrying the killing tax of 35% a bit more attractive and it is to be hoped that craftsmen and their retailers in particular will stress the price advantage to the visitor of the new scheme. The Minister's announcement reads "As a further measure to boost tourism, I propose to introduce a scheme to allow the refund of VAT on goods bought here at retail level by visitors and exported in their personal baggage. Details of the scheme will be announced at a later date. It will operate from March 1st, 1984." We hope that the Minister does not follow the same method as has been devised for this sort of scheme in England. Ministers of Finance seldom give without their other hand groping in your pocket for some of your loose change. The 8% VAT rate imposed on clothing will hit a whole and large segment of the textile end of the craft sector.
UNUSUAL MATERIALS Tony Hedgecock the blacksmith and forged iron man of Moyra, Fallcarragh, Co. Donegal, writes to the Newsletter that he has unusual materials for sale at what he considers reasonable prices. What about this for a mixed collection? 70 Kilos of half round nickel silver wire in 1 /4, 3/16 and 1 /8 inch sections. Annealed. 30 lbs. of Ivory Bark in small (2", 1 " and %") pieces, and ideal for inlay. Various boars tusks with a 4 " radius. Buffalo and Cow horns. Further details and samples from Tony with a SEA and 50p.
Participation in the exhibition if offered primarily to members of the World Crafts Council, with which Crafts Council of Ireland is affiliated. The organiser in the Czechoslovakia Socialist Republic is the Czechoslovak Committee of World Crafts Council, led by their Chairman, Lubomir Chmelik whom many readers will have met during the European Conference in Dublin last September. The theme of the exhibition is Glass and Ceramics in interior decoration of living areas. The objects will be of functional character, or smaller collections of such objects, the size and purpose of which corresponds to the requirements of interior decoration of dwellings. Glass and Ceramics are seen as areas of artistic activity characterised by high intensity of work, a variety of genres, , many creators and levels of social demand. The aim of the exhibition therefore is to focus attention on the functional area of interior decoration and to show the cultural and social significance of art and craft disciplines in the fields of creation and protection of the environment, in its development of new unconventional approached to the needs of present day living styles. It is hoped also that production will reflect developments of old, even forgotten techniques. A high level of design and execution are fundamental criteria. Participating countries are allowed to present craftsmen, each permitted 3-5 pieces reflecting the exhibition theme.
TWO PRICES A U.S. buyer at the National Crafts Trade Fair speaking on her own behalf and on that of colleagues of hers also attending the Fair has commented to the Newsletter on what they consider to be a poor commercial practise by some craftsmen. This relates to having two price lists — one for the home market, one for export — the latter of course being the higher of the two. Needless to say, they are unhappy about this and see it, in the long run, as back firing on those practising it as buyers will be wary of the credibility of their price lists.
NEW CORK CO-OPERATIVE
WHERE TO?
MID WEST CRAFTS AWARDS
A group of craftspeople in the Cork area have joined together and have formed a co-operation,-under the name "Camden Crafts".
In New Zealand, where there areestimated to be more full time potters per head of the population than in any other country, Howard William, writing in the magazine "New Zealand Crafts" suggests that there as in the USA the market for domestic ware is declining and that of the fine art potter on the increase. He suggests also that the contemporary potter has at his command a "space age range of sophisticated materials and equipment".
Bigger prize money is being offered this year to successful entrants for the MidWest Craft Awards Scheme. Shannon Development has announced that the programme, which will follow the 1983 format, will commence in early March. Effectively it will demand from participants a marketing/development programme for 1984 which will be monitored by the Development Company and those who have most successfully attained their objective will be in with a chance to win one of the awards ranging from the main award of £2,000 to one of the other 3 awards of £500 each for soft goods (textiles, clothing etc), hard goods (ceramics, metal, leather, glass, wood etc) and new entrant.
A retail shop was opened at 6 Camden Place, Cork City, at the beginning of November. There are plans for an educational programme, and wholesaling by the co-operative is being investigated. The founder members are: Gabi Beuchard, Monard Pottery, Co. Cork. Cormac Hayes, Potter, Cork. Etain Hickey, Rossmore Pottery, Co. Cork. Irene Ryle, Jagoes Mill Pottery, Kinsale. In addition, there are about 30 craftspeople who are supplying a wide range of crafts to the shop. The promoters have advised the Newsletter that they have been heartened by the positive response and enthusiasm of .their suppliers.
CORRECTION West Cork County Development Team points out that the 4 units in the Schull Craft Complex (Nov/Dec. Newsletter) are 1,000 sqare feet each, not 100 sq. feet as reported.
The thrust of his article suggests that with imports there being freed from restriction the market is going to be flooded with cheap Far Easter pottery and that only the best of their own pottery will survive, and, at that, they will have to be more in the fine art area. He cites, however, the Australian experience where, because of a free import situation, local domestic ware was never really a factor and only fine art potters had a chance but, and here's the rub, he writes "they have a small number of brilliant ceramic artists who are often supported financially through Government and education agencies". Can the artist craftsman only survive with subsidy?
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Don Carroll, Governor of the Bank of Ireland, Padraig White, Managing Director IDA, Minister of State Eddie Collins and Frank Sutton, Crafts Council at the opening of the 8th National Crafts Trade Fair.
BASKETRYCANE CHAIR CANE RUSHES & WILLOWS RUG &STITCHERY KITS
The closing date is at the end of February and readers are asked to contact Mr. Jerry Lower of Shannon Developments at once if they live in the Mid-West region and want to take part.
Pure new wool bainin and coloured hand knitting yarns. Telephone (094) 81156