Peter Donovan, was a master silversmith and gifted teacher

The internationally renowned silversmith Peter Donovan will be remembered as a gifted metalworker, a teacher, a companion of wit, and a devoted family man.

Mr Donovan passed away, peacefully, at University Hospital Waterford, on April 10. Most recently resident at Noreview Crescent, Thomastown, he had formerly resided at Kilfane, Thomastown and in London.

Peter first came to Ireland, and Kilkenny, when he was invited to join Kilkenny Design Workshops in 1964. A master silversmith, his skills as a silversmith and designer were internationally recognised when he was awarded the RDS California Gold Medal in 1968 for a silver chalice crafted from his own design.

With the confidence and contacts the award brought, Peter branched out on his own the following year, designing and making silverware for many illustrious clients while still designing for Kilkenny Design Workshop.

Teaching
Designing, making and the desire to pass on his knowledge through teaching were foremost in his career. He was a founding member of Grennan Mill Craft School in Thomastown, teaching there for more than 30 years.

Legacy
Peter’s daughter Victoria has continued the legacy of Donovan Silversmiths, ensuring excellence in design, silversmithing and the preservation of this ancient craft through teaching. In the 1990s his daughter Denise also joined the company and trained as a goldsmith with the late Rudolf Heltzel. Together they worked on many and varied projects in churches and private collections throughout the world.

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Peter will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew, learned and worked with him.
Following Requiem Mass at the Church of the Assumption, Thomastown, Mr Donovan’s remains were removed to the Island Crematorium Ringaskiddy, Cork, for a private service.

He is survived by his daughters Vicky, Sarah, Denise and Ellie; grandchildren Ruairi, Molly, Jack, Drew and Peig; son-in-law Paul; daughter-in-law Louise; sister-in-law Kathy; nieces and nephews; his extended family and many friends.