'Design Ireland' at Heal's in London

Irish designer-makers are showcasing their wares at Heal’s in London this month, in one of the largest retail presentation of Irish-made design in the capital for decades. Pictured: ’Monochrome’ throws by Mourne Textiles

(Image credit: TBC)

The Irish are coming to London, with 20 designer-makers showcasing at Heal’s this month. It’s being hailed as the biggest retail presentation of Irish-made design in the capital for decades, and features some of the country’s best furniture, lighting, ceramics, textiles and glass designers.

Highlights include monochrome scarves and cushions by Mourne Textiles, a family business set up in 1940 in a workshop at the foot of the Mourne mountains by Norwegian design pioneer Gerd Hay-Edie; as well as wares from Joe Hogan, who has been making baskets since 1978 from willow grown at Loch na Fooey, where he is based.

Newcomers include potter Arran Street East, whose hand-thrown pieces are inspired by Dublin’s Markets Area; and Superfolk, who make simple tableware, such as ash and oak trivets.

'Design Ireland' is born of past exhibitions organised by the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI) at Tent London during London Design Festival.

After being decimated by Ireland’s financial collapse, the country’s designer-makers are now thriving, with DCCoI’s registered clients increasing from 1,701 in 2009 to 3,214 in 2016.

'We are experiencing a period of great creativity and innovation in Irish design businesses, and we are producing world leaders,' says Karen Hennessy, chief executive of DCCoI, which has worked with Heal’s on the event. 'We are a resourceful nation, and after years of austerity and recession we are ready to take on the world and shine a spotlight on Ireland’s creative talent.'

Monochrome VI Shaggy Dog Cushion&rsquo; in handwoven tweed and 100 per cent Merino wool, by Mourne Textiles — Highlights include monochrome scarves and cushions by Mourne Textiles, set up in 1940 in a workshop at the foot of the Mourne mountains. Pictured: ’Monochrome VI Shaggy Dog Cushion’ in handwoven tweed and 100 per cent Merino wool, by Mourne Textiles

Joe Hogan willow woven basket — Joe Hogan has been making baskets since 1978, from willow grown near his home in Loch na Fooey

Pomegranate&rsquo; espresso pots (left) and &rsquo;Cauliflower&rsquo; water jug (right), by Arran Street East — Newcomers to the fair include Arran Street East, whose hand-thrown pottery is inspired by Dublin’s Markets Area. Pictured: ’Pomegranate’ espresso pots (left) and ’Cauliflower’ water jug (right), by Arran Street East

Mugs and pourers in pink grapefruit, by Arran Street East on blur background — Mugs and pourers in pink grapefruit, by Arran Street East

oak trivet, by Superfolk on beige background — Superfolk, who make simple tableware such as ash and oak trivets, are also new to the fair. Pictured:
oak trivet, by Superfolk

beech trivet, by Superfolk on grey background — Pictured: beech trivet, by Superfolk

INFORMATION

'Heal's Design Ireland' is on view until 27 March. For more information, visit the Heal's website

ADDRESS

Heal's
196 Tottenham Court Road
London, W1T 7PJ

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Clare Dowdy is a London-based freelance design and architecture journalist who has written for titles including Wallpaper*, BBC, Monocle and the Financial Times. She’s the author of ‘Made In London: From Workshops to Factories’ and co-author of ‘Made in Ibiza: A Journey into the Creative Heart of the White Island’.