“Ogham” – Irish Jewellery and Craft
Ogham is an ancient style of writing and is the first form of writing to be used in Ireland and originated around the 4th century. The Ogham alphabet is made up of a series of strokes along or across a line. It has also been known as the “Celtic Tree Alphabet” as most of the letters derive from the Irish name for trees. The letters were carved on the edge of the stone which formed a natural line and often commemorated someone or something.
Although “Ogham” is over a thousand years old it does not mean it’s out of fashion, especially here in Ireland. The award winning work of Eileen Moylan of ‘Claddagh Designs’ and the fantastic pieces by Dennis Cotter of ‘Allua Furniture’ has seen to that. Eileen has been working in Silver for 12 years having previously completed a Master’s degree in Ceramics and Design (in Cork – Ireland and Cardiff – Wales). Since 2010, Eileen has been working for herself, in her own workshop, in the town of Macroom, County Cork, where she now lives. From 2000 to 2010, Eileen had worked in the workshop of Sean Carroll and Sons, one of the last remaining Silversmiths in Ireland.
All her jewellery has a unique Celtic twist to them and many bear the ancient runes of a time long since passed.
See her full range here at Irish Made Gifts – http://www.irishmadegifts.com/Claddagh-Design
The awards Eileen has won this year for her jewellery include:
· 2013 – Best Overall Product Showcase Ireland
· 2013- Best Jewellery Product Showcase Ireland
Denis Cotter is the founder of Allua Furniture Design. His passion for innovative design led him to start making bespoke furniture accessible to all, regardless of budget.
His designs are inspired by nature and he favours the natural detail present in the native Irish hardwood. His workshop is located in Ballingeary Co. Cork, the source of the River Lee and the beautiful “Loch Allua” (Allua Lake). Both provide endless design inspiration.
Gifts like his ‘Gravity Wine Bottle Holder’ below which is made from locally-sourced Irish oak has Ogham writing carved into the wood.
Denis is a graduate of the prestigious Letterfrack Furniture College and member of both the Craft Council of Ireland and the West Cork Fuchsia Brand.
See his full range here at Irish Made Gifts – http://www.irishmadegifts.com/allua-furniture
