From its inception in 1994, DesignYard has worked hard to promote local craftspeople and designers to a wide audience of discerning customers. We pride ourselves on our longstanding relationships with makers and customers alike. Two special people that come to mind are renowned woodturner and Benedictine monk Br Ciarán Forbes and current Irish President Michael D Higgins.
Under the direction of Danae Kindness, DesignYard ran a series of exhibitions where well-known Irish people selected artists for solo exhibitions. When asked, it didn’t take then TD Michael D Higgins long to put forward Br. Ciarán Forbes, a self-taught woodturner whose work Michael owns and cherishes.
We were recently reminded of Ciaran’s wonderful personality, which shone through in his work, by the sad news of his sudden passing, aged 79. We are honoured that he considers his exhibition at DesignYard as one of the highlights of his career, propelling him into the spotlight as an artist as well as craftsperson. Thankfully, Michael D Higgins is still going strong as Ireland’s President and supporter of Irish craft and Design, presenting many a dignitary with Irish crafts and sculpture.
Hand-turned wood bowls remain a pillar of our selection of objects d’art. Currently we have a collection of exotic wooden bowls by Mark Hanvey. They make beautiful wedding, birthday or house-warming gifts – not just for dignitaries, but for the special people in your life.