Two upcoming jewellery exhibitions at the Design and Crafts Council

Two upcoming exhibitions highlight the past, present and future of craftsmanship and creativity in the jewellery discipline, both in Ireland and internationally - showcasing jewellery in all its dazzling forms.

The ‘Collectibles and Curiosities’ exhibition and the ‘Golden Past - Glittering Futures’ will run concurrently from June 6 to July 29 at DCCI’s National Design & Craft Gallery in Kilkenny.

‘Collectibles and Curiosities’, has brought together 16 contemporary international jewellers and silversmiths, representing a wide range of narratives and cultures in one exhibition showcasing not only technical precision and a dynamic use of materials, but also their artistry as storytellers.

PICTURES: Grennan Craft Mill End-of-Year Show - Kilkenny Live

Pictures by Dylan Vaughan

‘Collectible’ and ‘curious’ are words that reflect the historical fascination with jewellery, precious materials and objects, that tell stories about people, communities and cultures.

Exhibitors include Alena Štukavcová Doležalová (Czech Republic), Ana Nadjar (Chile), Anne Earls Boylan (UK) and Clodagh Molloy (Ireland). The Association for Contemporary Jewellery and Silversmiths Northern Ireland, which has curated the show, aims to develop the voice, audience and understanding of contemporary jewellery and silversmiths in Northern Ireland.

‘Golden Past - Glittering Futures’ showcases the legacy of DCCI’s Jewellery and Goldsmithing course over the last ten years. This exhibition highlights a snapshot of graduate work and celebrates the future for training in this sector in the newly launched DCCI Academy Jewellery & Goldsmithing School in Thomastown, Kilkenny. Chosen graduate designers include Sarah Gregory, Miriam Wade, David McCauley and Patrick Brennan.The world-renowned intensive course was established in 1993 and prides itself on training students to the highest level of craftsmanship and innovative design.
Graduates have progressed in the jewellery industry, both in Ireland and abroad, carving out successful careers over the past 30 years.

Speaking about the launch, Berina Kelly, DCCI Board member and jewellery designer, said:

“Both exhibitions celebrate the excellent reputation the island of Ireland continues to build within contemporary jewellery globally.

“The launch of the DCCI Academy Jewellery & Goldsmithing School takes this rich history and champions those that will leave their own mark in the future. Thank you to The Association for Contemporary Jewellery and Silversmiths Northern Ireland who worked closely with DCCI on this exhibition, allowing us to showcase the full spectrum of skill, creativity and innovation applied by Irish and international jewellers. I encourage everyone far and wide to come to Kilkenny to see sheer excellence at its very best.”

The exhibitions are open from June 6, giving people a unique opportunity to gain insight to the contemporary history of Irish jewellery.

For more information, visit www.ndcg.ie/exhibitions/