The Leitrim Design House was delighted to launch a very unique exhibition of ceramic felt work by Sligo based artist Alison Hunter on our ARTWALL during February and March, 2019. We were also delighted to welcome Grainne McLoughlin from Breeogue Pottery, Sligo to launch the exhibition.

We had been an admirer of this artist’s work for some time, not only for her imaginative use of found objects, but also for the skill she applies to the process of re-imagining these works. Alison’s work is inspired by both our human-made and natural landscapes. She is drawn to exploring everyday objects and instilling new life into them through the use of traditional and contemporary techniques. Found broken tableware is a source of inspiration for Alison as it acts as a reminder of our vernacular heritage and past. By creating a new function for the plate as an art piece, old memories are preserved in the process while new memories take root in its new form.

“I create art works through the interpretation and re-imagining of patterns on found plates. Building on its original form and exaggerating elements, I combine contrasting textures of found plate pieces and soft wool fibres using traditional wet felting and contemporary needle felting techniques” - Alison Hunter, 2019

Alison exhibits her work nationally. In 2016 her work was selected for the RDS Design and Craft Awards Exhibition. She holds a BA (Hons) Degree in Heritage Studies and a Diploma in Textiles and is a member of both the Design & Craft Council of Ireland and Made in Sligo.

This collection fitted beautifully within the remit of the Leitrim Design House. We love to celebrate uniqueness and constantly seek out inspirational high quality craftsmanship.