Contemporary Collection Of Design & Craft

The National Museum of Ireland and the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland have launched a new online presence for the Contemporary Collection of Design & Craft. The initiative aims to provide Irish and international audiences the opportunity to view over 100 works of exceptional quality, skill and artistry acquired since 2004 under a joint purchase scheme between DCCoI and NMI.

The joint purchase scheme was established to collect contemporary high-quality works from Ireland’s leading designer-makers for the NMI to preserve for future generations. All acquisitions made under the scheme are now available to view in an online gallery jointly hosted on the websites of NMI and DCCoI’s PORTFOLIO programme.

The new web presence was officially launched at the NMI – Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks at a reception attended by many of the Irish designers and makers whose work has been acquired for the Contemporary Collection of Design & Craft since it was first established. The launch also coincided with the opening of an exhibition of four recent acquisitions for the collection, showcasing work by ceramic artists Isobel Egan and Claire Curneen; fashion designer Jennifer Rothwell; and furniture makers Zelouf+Bell.

The exhibition of work acquired for the Contemporary Collection of Design & Craft is located on the ground floor of the National Museum, Collins Barracks between the west and north blocks, and continues until August 2017.