Scott Benefield has been named the winner of the David Shaw-Smith Legacy Award 2024 at a ceremony held in the David Shaw-Smith Library at DCCI headquarters in Kilkenny.
The award was created by DCCI to recognise, support and honour master craftspeople for their exceptional creative growth and contribution to their craft now and into the future.
Its title pays tribute to the great Irish filmmaker David Shaw-Smith, who recognised that Irish craft is rooted in heritage and innovation, and who himself made such a contribution to Ireland’s craft sector.
This year’s recipient, Scott Benefield, is a contemporary glassmaker based in Antrim, who together with his partner Andrea Spencer, creates pieces which are designed, crafted, and finished entirely by hand in the studio in Antrim.
The David Shaw-Smith Legacy Award has a value of €5,000 and the recipient was awarded an engraved piece created by previous winner, Eric Philips.
It is a privilege to celebrate and support Ireland’s master craftspeople by highlighting their exceptional work to a broader audience. This award recognises their outstanding contributions and encourages the continued growth of their craft and heritage. Presenting this award to Scott, in the presence of Daniel Shaw-Smith, son of David Shaw-Smith, makes the occasion even more meaningful.
Mary Blanchfield
CEO | DCCI
The judging panel comprised Mary Gallagher, curator and artist; Eric Philips, designer and maker, as well as previous winner and Daniel Shaw-Smith, David’s son.
DCCI has opened applications for the 2025 David Shaw-Smith Legacy Award, inviting master craftspeople aged over 50 to apply here.
