The Leitrim Design House is delighted to present “Turning Turns 40,” an exhibition commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Irish Woodturners Guild. This exceptional showcase features 40 expertly turned wood pieces that highlight the craftsmanship and skills of the Guild's members, while also raising awareness about the critical threat posed by Ash Dieback disease to the native Ash tree.
From functional designs to intricate sculptures, this exhibition running until the 29th Nov is a testament to craftsmanship, creativity, and the beauty of Irish woodturning. Whether you’re an art lover, a design enthusiast, or simply curious, this exhibition is not to be missed!
“Turning Turns 40” combines a technical challenge with a meaningful purpose, marking a significant moment in the conversation about Ash Dieback and its impact on Ireland’s landscape. Emmet Kane, President of the IWG, stated, “Throughout my career as a maker, I have always relished the challenge of making to a certain scale and size.” This philosophy inspired the challenge given to all IWG members, who were tasked with creating their works from a uniform block of Ash.
360 Ash cubes, each measuring 15cm³, were distributed to Guild members, and 40 final pieces were selected by an independent judging panel of esteemed woodturners Stephen O’Connell (Ireland), Barbara Dill (USA), and Ulf Jasson (Sweden). This curated exhibition showcases the creative individuality of each artist but also their collective expertise and artistry. The native Ash tree is under severe threat from Ash Dieback, a fungal disease first detected in Ireland in 2012.
Join us in celebrating this significant milestone and the artistry that brings attention to a pressing environmental issue. We look forward to welcoming you to the Leitrim Design House!
