Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) is delighted to announce the shortlist for the 2025 David Shaw-Smith Legacy Award.

Established in 2022, the David Shaw-Smith Legacy Award champions Ireland’s master craftspeople in later stages of their careers—recognising years of dedication, outstanding contribution, and the potential to continue shaping their craft through the support of a new project.

It also honours the legacy of David Shaw-Smith, with his wife Sally, produced and directed the acclaimed documentary series, Hands, and made over 138 television documentaries during his career.

The aim of the award:

The award is intended to invest in the future of Irish craft and judges are encouraged to consider not only the applicants’ past achievements but their future potential and how they might enrich the Irish design and craft landscape.

What does the award comprise?

The David Shaw-Smith Legacy Award has a value of €5,000 and the recipient is awarded an engraved piece created by the previous year’s winner.

Meet the shortlist:

Peter Young – stained glass (Dublin)
Stevan Hartung – wood, furniture (Wicklow)
Stephen O’Briain – wood, furniture (Carlow)
Martha Quinn – stone sculptor (Sligo)
Beth Moran – weaver (Mayo)

Holger Lonze – sculptor and boat builder (Kerry)
Laura O’Hagan – architectural ceramics and mosaics (Wicklow)
Lucina Lennon – interior architect (Wicklow)
Patricia Millar – clay (Antrim)

Congratulations to all those shortlisted for the 2025 David Shaw-Smith Legacy Award. The judging panel was greatly impressed by the exceptional level of craftsmanship demonstrated in this year’s submissions, which reflect the depth of skill and creativity within Ireland’s craft community. The winner of the award will be announced later this month.