CCI-newsletter-1983-38-March-April

Page 1

MARCH/APRIL 1983

Crafts Council of Ireland Thomas Prior House Merrion Road Dublin 4

Telephone 680764 / 603070

Kilworth-Presentation of Parchments On 3rd March, in the Kilworth Craft Workshops, the Minister of State at the Department of Industry and Energy, Mr. Eddie Collins, TD, presented the outgoing participants at Kilworth with hand written parchments as a record of their time there. Once again, Beverley Courtney wrote the parchments by hand, their fineness and individuality proving, as if such proof were needed, that the high quality hand made items will always be of greater significance and value than the mass produced. In his speech, Mr. Collins made reference to the WCC-Europe Conference to be held in Ireland in September, going on to say that it was a signal honour for the country and much credit was due to the Council for securing the Conference. He also referred again to the very successful National Crafts Trade Fair held in January. Talking about the Kilworth Craft Workshops he said "it is a unique initiative which has now completed its second year. It represents a major success for the combined cooperative efforts between the Kilworth Community Council, the Crafts Council of Ireland and AnCO. The Workshops are a unique initiative aimed at enabling young craftsmen of talent who have completed formal studies to develop their entrepreneurial skills to a stage when they can confidently set up their own workshops. AnCO provides allowances for the training programme which includes accounting, costing, marketing and other business interests. Some specialist additional craft training is provided by master craftsmen. Aside from the necessary craft skill, the attributes required by potential participants include dedication and a commitment to setting up in business".

Of those who have completed the 1982 course, four are remaining within the area, though only one is of Cork origin. Ger O'Sullivan and Conor O'Brien are setting up their print workshop in the old Church of Ireland schoolhouse in Midleton. Lucy Braddel, a weaver, will move into a workshop built by Midleton UCD. All three are being helped to get into business by IDA grants. Weaver, Angela Forte, will be taking up an IDA Pearse Street workshop and both Brenda O'Brien, the potter and textile printer, Mel Bradley, are working with their respective County Development Officers in Kildare and Wicklow to find suitable studios. Anna Kee, the other potter, will return to Kilworth to set up a workshop here. Finally, Deirdre Campion has already made arrangements to remain in Kilworth to pursue her craft of applique/embroidery. Mr. Collins, describing Kilworth, said that a unique initiative was probably the right

The eight Kilworth Participants show their hand written parchments during the recent ceremony at which Mr. Eddie Collins, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Industry and Energy made the presentations. Also pictured is Alison Erridge, Vice Chairman, Crafts Council of Ireland and Lynne Glasscoe, Supervisor, Kilworth Craft Workshops.

phrase as it is not a project with infinite possibilities for reproduction. "The standard of intake must remain high. The numbers who apply are few - less than twenty this year with only seven chosen. Kilworth is not in the numbers game! It is important that this small number of trained, dedicated young people set up and succeed. That is better than going for larger numbers, whose standard of craftsmanship and business ability might not be high enough for lasting success."


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