Textiles

There are nine films under the heading ‘textiles’; covering some of the finest craftspeople and their work. In this diverse genre, we see how varied and beautiful traditional Irish textiles are. We meet the people, learn the history and most importantly get an intimate introduction to a number of Ireland’s finest textile artists and their crafts.

Wood

There are nine films under the heading ‘wood’; demonstrating the range and skill of traditional woodcraft as practised in Ireland. From Breens Carriage Works, who make magnificent horse traps, to the construction of the traditional Shannon One Design lake and river sailingboat, we realise the importance and impact traditional wood workers had in Ireland.

Ceramics, Metal and Stone

The films in this section cover three important traditional materials as used by Irish craftspeople. Under ‘ceramics’, we encounter Belleek’s worldfamous, beautiful ceramic ware and the workings of Ireland’s oldest pottery at Carley’s Bridge. ‘A Dublin Silvesmith’ covers one of Ireland’s most collected and respected crafts, whilst ‘Powers of the metal’ features more practical but no less skillful metalwork. ‘Stone’ focusses on possibly Ireland’s oldest and most evident craft.

Leather

The five films under the heading ‘leather’ show how animal hide has been traditionally used in Ireland. They document the diversity of uses this material has been crafted for; from binding beautiful books to covering the elegant traditional skin boats called ‘curraghs’.

Willow, Rush and Straw

Willow, rush & straw are traditionally some of Ireland’s most popular organic materials. ‘Rushwork’ and ‘Basketmaking’ both employ weaving as their construction methods; both films demonstrate these wonderful crafts. In ‘Wexford thatcher’ we see the craft behind Ireland’s iconic thatched cottage.

Miscellaneous

The final five films in the ‘Hands’ series under ‘miscellaneous ‘ feature subjects which cannot be simply categorised under one material heading. We see a range of crafts, processes and skills as practised by individuals; who, through necessity and creative drive produce unique items using traditional methods.