Kilkenny, Ireland
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.
KDW@21C was organised by the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland. The National Craft Gallery is Ireland’s leading centre for contemporary craft and design. We inspire appreciation, creativity and innovation through our exhibition, event and education programmes, and play a critical role in building understanding of craft and material culture in Ireland.
