The Design Tower, that imposing block of Victorian architecture on the corner of Pearse Street, remains an energetic centre for craft-based design in Dublin, and one of the most lasting legacies of the IDA’s tremendous thrust to support craft in late 20th century Ireland by clustering businesses together. The success of the Design Tower is due partly to its central location – it lacks the ersatz thatched cottage appearance of some of the other IDA incubators – but also the vitality of its long-term occupants. Culture Night at the Design Tower is an annual knees-up – so too is their Christmas event offering late night shopping this year on 17 December (until 6pm) and 18 December (until 8pm). Jewellery designers and makers include Breda Haugh, Catherine Pepin, and the inimitable da Capo. The silversmith Seamus Gill has extended his Flowing Curves series to include wearable pieces. Ayelet Lalor’s ceramic sculptures – of which there have been many lesser imitations – retain their poise, as do Elizabeth O’Kane’s sculptures in bronze. Philip Murphy will show wall-hung work in painting and rusted steel, and the fashion designer Róisín Gartland will show a collection in black merino and leather.
Design Tower
17-18 December
Image: Ayelet Lalor
