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TAPESTRIES FROM HARRANIA, EGYPT In September, the Egyptian Ambassador to Ireland. His Excellency, Abdallah Fauad Hafez opened the exhibition entitled "Tapestries of Harrania" which runs through to the 1 lth November and features over 100 original "story-telling" tapestries, some of which are produced by children as young as 12 years of age.
Also in attendance at the opening of the exhibition was Mr Awadly, a member of the family who took it upon themselves in 1975 to establish a weaving workshop in Harrania with the aim of revitalising the ailing local cottage industry and providing the younger generation with an opportunity to develop their traditional talents.
All of the tapestries come from Harrania, a farming village in Egypt, near the pyramids of Gizeh, which is becoming internationally renowned for the tapestry skills of its inhabitants, both young and old.
Even on the night of the official opening the Gallery staff were inundated with purchasers anxious to own pieces of this delightfully stylised craftwork which are for sale, ranging in price from ÂŁ7 to ÂŁ1,900. It is expected the entire contents of the exhibition will be sold by the time the exhibition closes.
What is most unusual about the tapestries, woven in naturally dyed flax and sheep's wool, is that they are designed without formal training, patterns or sketches and using the most simple of looms and tools. The tapestries can be used as wall hangings or carpets. The tapestries created by the weavers range from simple reflections of rural Egyptian life as produced by the very young weavers to the fluid, almost impressionistic creations of the older weavers who take their inspiration from traditional Islamic themes such as the Tree of Life, Creation, stories of Moses and passages from the Koran. The colours used are widely varied, but muted in accordance with the natural dyes available. Indigo, reseda, mader and a wide spectrum of henna shades are all cultivated, garnered and prepared into dyes from the villagers' own gardens.
School's Programme In conjunction with this very special exhibition, the Crafts Council is running a school's progranme involving children between the ages of seven and ten and their teachers. This programme is being held between mid-October and midNovember at various locations around the country and each participating school has been matched with a weaver from its own locality who will act as a special tutor during these four day sessions. The emphasis of the programme will be to provide each child with an educational experience in design and art. Materials, yarns, frames and drawing materials will be provided for the children as will special work sheets. In addition, until November 9th groups of schoolchildren and their teachers will be welcomed to the Crafts Council Gallery to see the tapestries and learn about their origins, who made them and how they were made.
Cyril Forbes with the Egyptian Ambassador Abdallah Fauad Hafez and his wife at the opening of the exhibition
The children will be encouraged to create images of the people and things around them just as the Harranian children do, starting with their school friends. The Crafts Council will provide drawing materials and notes for the teachers to enable them to provide the children with a structured learning experience of the tapestries. With the help of a second set of notes it is hoped that the teachers can do followup work back in class. There are learning opportunities for art, English and geography classes that can be based on a class visit to the Tapestry Exhibition.
The Craft and Design Business Course in Kilkenny increasing professionalism and product quality in the craft sector. Today's new businesses face stiffer competition than those of the 80's. The range of goods a newcomer must offer has to be of a very high design and production standard from the outset, if they are to survive their first years in practice. Therefore, entry requirements for the Business Course have crept up over the past five years in order to keep pace with the increasingly sophisticated craft market.
The Crafts Council has decided not to run the 9 5 / 9 6 Business Course following this year's interviews. Although in the past six years the course has been extremely successful in assisting our brightest craft and design graduates to establish businesses, interviewers for this year's course felt that they did not see enough suitable candidates to justify the investment of staffing and finance. There are a number of reasons why the Council has had to make this decision, but a significant one is the
The Council is in the process of
SHOWCASE 95 Fares Well SHOWCASE '95 attracted 8,500 buyers, more than 1,600 of them from overseas.
1995 as a direct result of the increased sales at SHOWCASE '95. Cyril Forbes said that a recent survey showed that total sales figures for orders received at SHOWCASE last January were a record £23 million, representing annualised sales of almost £ 1 0 0 million.
Last week the organisers announced details of next January's exhibition. Speaking at the launch the Minister for Finance, Ruairi Quinn, said that 7 3 0 new full, part-time and outworker jobs have been created within the Irish crafts industry in
Christmas Show 1995 Christmas is fast approaching and the Gallery is planning its biggest and best show. An early opening proved very successful last year and it is planned to do the same again this year, probably around 22nd November. Submission of samples/ideas for this year's show are welcome immediately. All finished work should be ready for display by the week ending November 17th. Spending patterns during the '94 show showed that 90% of transactions were for items under the £ 1 0 0 price mark. Most popular were items between £20 and £40. Since the start of 1995, the Gallery has been paying close attention to customer preferences and have found that 70% of turnover is generated from items selling at prices under £ 2 0 0 retail. However, so as not to discourage makers who
sell larger work, it should be noted that 13% of turnover is generated from items retailing at over £ 5 0 0 . The Gallery are, therefore, always pleased to include some of these specialised items.
applying for new funding for a revised and extended business course which will have a greater emphasis on product development, production efficiency, and on market testing. Further details will be announced when the funding position is clearer. This decision is also of significance to the leading design and craft courses around the country. In 1 996, the Council hopes to initiate discussions with the colleges to see what joint actions can be taken to better prepare students for the complex demands of a commercial post-graduate career.
Business Skills Programme West Cork The Crafts Council of Ireland in conjunction with the West Cork Enterprise Board is running a business/training programme for craftworkers. This is a pilot programme open to craftworkers in West Cork which the Council hopes to make available on a national basis. The programme will address the problems faced in running a successful craft business in both production and business skills. Located in West Cork it will comprise two week-ends and six evening classes. The project is funded by the West Cork Enterprise Board.
Some items were difficult to source last year and the Gallery would like
All interested parties should contact
to encourage submissions of new
Emer Ferran at the Crafts Council or
ideas/departures in:
Liam Ennis, West Cork Co.
Crib sets, decorations, glass items, non-precious jewellery, tableware, toys, decorative ceramics, tapestries, patchwork, candle/candlewicks. Remember the 1995 Crafts Council Christmas exhibition could act as an experimental showcase for some new ideas for 1996.
Clonakilty, Co. Cork. Tel. 023-
Enterprise Board, 8, Kent Street,
For further information contact: Hilary Morley, Retail Manager. Tel: 01-679 7 3 6 8 .
34700.
Peter Brennan ANCA (1916 - 1995) An Appreciation Peter Brennan, father of Art Pottery in Ireland, has died after a long and productive life. Peter studied sculpture with Oliver Shepard at the Metropolitan School of Art. twice winning the Taylor Scholarship, he gained his diploma from N.C.A. in 1 9 4 1 . Subsequently Peter taught Art in Carlow and Kilkenny. With Hubert Butler he organised exhibitions of Dublin painters, lectured and wrote reviews. He is seen to have laid the foundations for Kilkenny Design. In 1945 in partnership with Victor Waddington he began the Ring Ceramic Studios in Kilkenny. Not only did he throw the pots, he trained local lads to dig and
prepare the clay to produce a range of pressed and moulded ware, as well as building all the equipment. He travelled to Stoke-on-Trent for advice and materials, and to Bernard Leach at St. Ives for inspiration (and all on £6.50 a week). In 1962 when Victor moved his gallery to London Peter started teaching in Blackrock Technical School and also in the School of Sculpture at N.C.A.D.. In 1965 he married Helena Ennis and they set up a workshop in Dun Laoghaire, pioneering work in stoneware and porcelain. Peter was a founder member of the Society of Designers, the Crafts Council and the Craft Potters Society.
Peter Brennan and his wife Helena at the opening of th\ Organic Surfaces exhibition. teaching forty students, building a 35ft yacht and preparing new works for his eightieth year exhibition. He is survived by his wife Helena and six children. Helena remembers him as "challenging himself and all those around him to ever greater feats of skill and enterprise". The R.H.A. is planning a retrospective in 1997. By Hester Scott,
Peter left us on the crest of a wave -
Craft Potters Society.
The Shutters Open....
Body Bait - Review
Dear Sir/Madam,
This exhibition at the RHK was a
feel the exhibition will act to make
1 agree wholeheartedly with the views by Geoffrey Healy et al in the
tremendous effort on the part of the Jewellers and Metalworkers Guild of Ireland. One's initial impression was
those less skilled strive to improve. The designs were adventurous, often
last edition of the Newsletter. 1 drew not a little comfort in the fact
fun and occasionally off the wall!
enhanced by the location in the
that you published the letter at all. 1
Crypt, the number of exhibitors and
had to resort to a UK publication
the displays themselves.
Exhibitions tend to be the extremes of the sector they represent - no one goes to an exhibition to see the
recently to make a point regarding one of your exhibitions. is this the first instance of a letter appearing in your columns and can
As a relative newcomer it struck me as a coming of age, and by the sense of maturity and community of
of acceptance. Well done to the
we look forward to an opening of the shutters in the future?
the jewellers and designer
organisers.
craftspeople involved. Some technical work was very impressive
By Jane Huston
Jim Behan, Dolmen Pottery, 113
indeed while some was, frankly,
Green Road, Carlow.
below par. But even in saying that 1
General
norm. It is this type of venture that moves the everyday to a new plain
Announcements Wanted
For Sale
made, front loading, downdraft.
Pitch pine countermarch loom with fly shuttle.
Plus furniture, pyrometer, thermocouple etc.
Irish crafts artists (particularly ceramicists,
Reed space 4 1 " . Four reeds included. £800
£1,500
glassmakers, textile artists) interested in giving
or nearest offer.
Tel. 066-73024
workshops/seminars in Israel.
Contact Marian Young, 10 Tamneymullan
For further information contact Gershon Kedar,
Lane, Maghera, Co. L'Derry. Tel. (01648)
Wanted
Embassy of Israel, P.O. Box 3021, Dublin 4.
43056.
Artists, Book Makers, Poets, Musicians,
Tel. 01-6680303, Fax. 01-6680418.
For Sale
artists' page to the World Sea Book.
Painters etc. etc. willing to contribute an Hymus single phase kiln 2' x 11/2' x 11/2'.
The World Sea Book is an encyclopaedic
J x 4 electric potters wheel, belt drive.
cross curricular collaboration containing the
Contact Micheal Mac Gearailt, Ballyquin
works of 500 sea conscious people from
Community Centre, Brandon, Tralee, Co.
around the world. It will consist entirely of
Kerry. Tel. 066-38137.
original one off pages.
For Sale
Sun, Moon and Stars Press, Donkey
Brand new gas kiln for sale. 8 cubic ft, Irish
Meadows, Kilmore Quay, Wexford.
For further information contact Andi McGarry,
N e w Studio Spaces, Pimlico, Dublin 8. Spaces available. Rents very reasonable. All disciplines accommodated. Spacious workshops. Canteen and exhibition facilities on site. Contact Cairan T. Kirwan for information pack, at 12B Portobello Harbour or telephone 014751620.
Ceramics Student Seeks Traineeship
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S 0) w
S0 c c
s s o
o
Student in final year of an Associate Diploma
Contemporary Tapestry Artists Exhibition - "Surface Tension"
in Ceramics wishes to develop and broaden
An exhibition of new works by Contemporary
her skills by working with senior practitioner
Tapestry Artists at the Droichead Arts Centre,
Design Concourse Ireland
within studio/workshop environment.
Drogheda from 25th October- 10th November.
Design Concourse Ireland is inviting you to be
Fletcher Challenge Ceramics Award
creativity. If you are committed to excellence.
Contact: Bernadette Harris,
available. For further information contact: Patrick O'Sullivan 01-8671517.
part of this unique marriage of commerce and
1 5 / 8 - 1 0 King Street, Kogarah 2217, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
The Embroidery Designer Group's Fifth Biennial Exhibition at The Kennedy Gallery, Harcourt Street, Dublin. Nov. 1st-Nov. 11th.
Entries are invited for this international
If you believe in world-class quality. If you
exhibition and competition.
have products or merchandise that make you
Information and Entry Forms from:
proud, then it's time to make Ireland proud "A
Fletcher Challenge Ceramics Award, P.O. Box
unique marketing opportunity for Irish
33 1425, Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand.
products recognised for their quality and
Telephone & Fax 64 9 4458831 or 64 9
design".
4806369.
Louis Mulcahy of Dingle seeks a quality
For further information contact: Design Concourse Ireland Ltd.,
cabinet making workshop to execute his The pieces are to be made in small batches
The Ulster Arts Club Second Small Works Art Competition and Exhibition
from Mr. Mulcahy's prototypes. The work
Higgin Gallery, Malone House, Barness
furniture designs.
Kirwan's Lane, Galway. Tel. 091-66016, Fax. 091-66927.
'Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh'
would have to be of the highest professional
Demesne, Belfast, BT9 5PE.
standards and delivery dates be reliable.
Tuesday 7th November - Saturday 25th
November 4th - 24th December, 1995.
Please call in office hours to Mairtin MacOiste
November. Monday-Saturday: 10.00a.m.-
Loch Ruray House, Fine and Applied Art and
4.00 p.m. Entry forms available from:
Craft Gallery.
at Louis Mulcahy Pottery Tel. (066) 56229/56429 Fax. (066) 56366.
Miss Clare Collins, The Ulster Arts Club, 56,
Christmas Exhibition of contemporary studio
Elmwood Avenue, Belfast, BT9 6AZ.
glass, fine art and textiles.
Tel. (01232)660644.
Tower Design/Craft Centre Exhibition
Gallery Opening Hours: 11.00-6^00 Tuesday - Saturday and 1.00-6.00 Sunday.
The tenants of the Tower Design/Craft Centre invite other craftworkers to join them for their
Mansion House Crafts Fair
For further information contact:
Christmas Fair. This year's fair will take the
The Mansion House Crafts Fair is moving to the
Larissa Watson-Regan,
form of a 5 day intensive event from Thursday
bigger, brighter and better venue of the Main
Loch Ruray House,
7th - Tuesday 12th December.
Hall, RDS, Dublin from the 13-17th December.
8, Main Street, Dundrum, Co. Down,
Limited spaces available.
You cannot afford to miss the retail opportunity
All enquiries to Lorraine Bowen,
presented by this Fair. Expected attendance is
BT33 OLU.
The Tower, IDA Enterprise Centre, Pearse
25-30,000 people. Limited stands are still
Tel. (013967)51544
Street, Dublin 2. Tel. 01-6777967.
The Management Committee 1995 Chair Mr. Cyril Forbes Vice Chair Ms. Hilary Pratt Mr. Ed Kevin Ms. Suzanne May Mr. Michael McCrory Mr. Rudolf Heltzel Dr. David Shaw-Smith Ms. Breda Haugh Mr. Knut Klimmek Mr. David Hargaden Mr. Jonathan Ryan Mr. Neil Read Ms. Kaethe Burt-O'Dea Ms. Mary Jackson Ms. Bernadette Madden
Crafts Council Staff Dublin Acting Chief Executive Administrative Officer Book-keeper Telephonist/Receptionist Exhibitions Assistant Retail Manager Shop Assistants (PT)
Leslie Reed Margaret Jones Orlagh McKay Susan Byrne/ Olga Hiney Catherine Jordan Hilary Morley Sally Dunne Aoife Montgomery
Dublin Powerscourt Townhouse Centre South William Street, Dublin 2 Tel. Fax.
01 679 7368 01 679 9197
Kilkenny
The Crescent Workshop Training and Education Officer Supervisor/Information Officer Administrative Assistant
The Crafts Council of Ireland
Leslie Reed Emer Ferran Nuala McGrath
Thomastown Pottery Skills Course Trainer Gus Mabelson
The Crescent Workshop, Castle Yard Kilkenny
Tel. Fax.
056 61804 or 62734 056 63754
Jewellery Design and Production Skills Course Trainer Jane Huston CAD/CAM Training for the Irish Knitwear Industry Coordinator Julie Griffiths
All information is published in good faith but without research, so please check carefully before committing yourself to work or financial outlay Please forward all information to Nuala McGrath. The copy date for the next issue is 6th December. The Print date is 1 3th December