The
Makings

The Makings | Vicki Donovan, Silversmith | Ep1

Some insights into the world of silversmithing with Vicki Donovan of Donovan Silversmiths in Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny. This is the first episode of a new series of short documentaries called ‘The Makings’ where we will be following craftsfolk around Ireland to find out why they do what they do, what their honed crafts mean to them, and what it’s like to be passionate about making something unique and beautiful in a time of cheap mass production and disposable living.

Glassblowing at Jerpoint Glass | The Makings - Episode 2

Jerpoint Glass has been producing mouth-blown glass in Stoneyford, Co. Kilkenny for over 40 years. Established in 1979 by Keith and Kathleen Leadbetter and now the torch has been handed to their son, Rory.

This is the second episode of our series of short documentaries called ‘The Makings’ where we will be following craftspeople around Ireland to find out why they do what they do, what their honed crafts mean to them, and what it’s like to be passionate about making something unique and beautiful in a time of cheap mass production and disposable living.

Eoghan Leadbetter, Woodturner | The Makings - Episode 3

The third episode of our series of short documentaries called ‘The Makings’ where we will be following craftspeople around Ireland to find out why they do what they do, what their honed crafts mean to them, and what it’s like to be passionate about making something unique and beautiful in a time of cheap mass production and disposable living.

In this episode we meet woodturner, Eoghan Leadbetter who works alongside Jerpoint Glass in Stoneyford, Co. Kilkenny.

Eric Phillips | The Makings - Episode 4

Eric Phillips creates contemporary fine furniture, interiors and wooden watercraft. Based in Bennettsbridge, Co Kilkenny, Ireland, on the banks of the river Nore, he uses when possible, local naturally felled wood: spalted beech, Irish cedar, Irish ash, oak or larch to build contemporary fine furniture, wooden strip canoes, surfboards as well as commissioned in-built pieces.

Originally from Southern California, Eric grew up with a passion for surfing, working with wood and design. During a twenty-five-year career in Paris, France, he developed a design and build company focused on interior architecture for domestic and commercial spaces, working on projects conceived independently and in collaboration with architects such as Didier Faustino, William Matthews and Renzo Piano.

On moving to Co Kilkenny in 2016, Eric has continued his business to the same high standards. He is currently developing projects inspired by the Irish landscape with local materials in the creation of beautiful hand-crafted pieces that explore fluidity and function on and off the water.