This striking series of portraits introduced a selection of the very talented Leitrim makers that are represented by The Leitrim Design House. The opening reception was held in The Dock Arts Centre, Carrick-on-Shannon to meet these makers; Bairbre Kennedy, Caroline Rock, Carol McLoughlin, Catherine Gray, Emily & Giolla Liddy, Erika Marks, Fiona O’Driscoll, Jean Whitfield, Jo Gray, Lucinda Lee, Majella McAuley, Natalie Descheres, Roy Humphreys, and Simon Murphy. The exhibition continued throughout March 2020.
County Leitrim boasts a wealth of original design talent as evident from the artists and makers featured in this exhibition. The wide range of disciplines represented include: Bookbinding, Calligraphy, Jewellery, Pottery, Photography, Soapmaking, Textile Art and Woodturning. These portraits, captured by the much-respected photographer Brian Farrell showcased the unique individuals behind these specialised art forms. Brian’s stunning photography captured the authenticity of each maker and their connection to their product. The creative processes behind these crafts were also available to view in a series of beautiful videos captured by Padraig Cunningham from each maker’s studio.
The Leitrim Design House, a champion of Irish craft and design, provides a strong support system for artisans based within County Leitrim. This unique Centre of Excellence, which is housed in the impressive Dock Arts Centre in Carrick-on-Shannon, is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting excellence and economic development in the field of contemporary art, craft and design.
An excellent model of sustainable practice, The Leitrim Design House had dedicated the past twenty years to nurturing and supporting Irish makers. These artists and makers express themselves through a wide range of media. Many have lived in County Leitrim all their lives. Others have relocated to the county for the amazing quality of life available here.
This creative sector is a rich resource within the county and “Made in Leitrim” was a celebration of the creative talent we have in our midst. We’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge their passion, commitment and continuous endeavours to earn a living from their trade. We are extremely thankful for their innovative techniques and the designs that continue to inspire us, our customers & visitors to the region. “Made in Leitrim” was one of several initiatives the Leitrim Design House had in place for 2020 in celebration of 20 years supporting small Irish craft businesses.
The makers featured in this photographic exhibition took part in The Leitrim Design House In the Making programme in 2018. The aim of the programme was to share the story of the maker and their product through video and imagery. We were very fortunate that this programme received grant aid from Leitrim Local Community Development Committee under the Rural Development Programme which is financed by the Irish Government under the Rural Development Programme Ireland 2014-2020 and by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in Rural Areas.
