Design & Crafts Council Ireland presents two jewellery exhibitions 'Collectibles and Curiosities' and 'Golden Past - Glittering Futures' to exhibit in DCCI Gallery, Kilkenny

Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) is delighted to announce the opening of two jewellery exhibitions which will run concurrently from Tuesday, 6^th June to Saturday, 29^th July at DCCI Gallery, Kilkenny. The ‘Collectibles and Curiosities’ exhibition and the ‘Golden Past – Glittering Futures’ exhibition highlights 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.

‘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. ‘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 10 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 to the public from Tuesday, 6^th of June, giving people a unique opportunity to gain insight to the contemporary history of Irish jewellery. For more information, visit DCCI Gallery

For further information on the Irish Business Design Challenge, visit https://www.dcci.ie/explore/dcci-ndcg/.

For more information, please contact Eimear Harding, Communications and Public Affairs Manager, DCCI, 083 023 8743 or email [email protected]

For further press information please contact Claire Feely or Rachel Farrell at Elevate PR, 01 662 5652 or email [email protected] /  [email protected] / [email protected]