‘Vernacular’ - an exhibition of contemporary design and craft from Ireland

London Design Festival '13

As a small island on the periphery of Europe, Ireland’s language and culture has always been shaped by journeys, both inward and outward. Through these trajectories and influences the vernacular language evolves, honed by history and formed through conversation, exchange and relationship. This idea of an evolving language is the starting-point for the exhibition.

‘Vernacular’ is the follow up to the Crafts Council of Ireland’s successful debut exhibition ‘A Place to Gather’ at last year’s Festival and will be presented by the National Craft Gallery of Ireland and curated by Ann Mulrooney and Steven McNamara. The exhibition will be located in a stand-alone gallery space at Tent London and will feature a supporting programme of educational events including talks and demonstrations.

2013 marks the 50th anniversary of the foundation of ‘Kilkenny Design Workshops’ (KDW), established by the Irish state in response to an influential design audit led by Kaj Franck. Over its 25-year life, KDW brought international designers and makers together to work with Irish craft and industry, joining craft and design in the development of a new idiom. Figures such as John Jenkins, Richard Eckersly and Holger Strom operated from this rural periphery, and iconic products such as Strom’s IQ light were born in Ireland.

London Design Festival runs from 14th-22nd September 2013.

'Vernacular - an exhibition of contemporary design and craft from Ireland'

'Vernacular - an exhibition of contemporary design and craft from Ireland'

'Vernacular - an exhibition of contemporary design and craft from Ireland'

'Vernacular - an exhibition of contemporary design and craft from Ireland'

'Teepee' by Woodenleg [photo: Peter Rowen Photography]

'Leaded Strand Lamp/Tall' by Andrew Clancy [photo: Peter Rowen Photography]

'Falling Dansu' by O’Donnell + Tuomey / Joseph Walsh Workshop Collaboration