Press Release
December 2015
Not Too Precious, an exhibition of work by international artist-jewellers, opens at the
National Craft Gallery
Not Too Precious which opens at the National Craft Gallery in Kilkenny on Friday 22nd
January 2016, explores inspirational work by 28 international jewellers using materials
known for their expressive potential, rather than their material value. Co-curated by Dr.
Elizabeth Goring, formerly of National Museums Scotland, and independent curator, Gregory
Parsons, it celebrates current work by artist-jewellers using non-precious materials.
Radical artist-jewellers of the late 1960s and 70s vigorously rejected the idea that jewellery
should be considered ‘precious’, simply because of the materials of which it was made.
Today, the use of a huge variety of materials in jewellery is far more accepted, but economic
pressures are putting that freedom of artistic expression at potential risk as people revert to
traditionally ‘valuable’ materials for ‘safety’. Not Too Precious challenges preconceptions
about ‘non-precious’ materials by encouraging us to consider ‘accrued value': what talented
makers bring to their work through their ideas and skill.
Not Too Precious was first shown at Ruthin Craft Centre, Wales in July 2015. The selected
artists, who work in the UK, Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, create innovative,
skilfully-made jewellery that is insightful and culturally resonant. “Sometimes poignant,
sometimes witty, sometimes breathtakingly beautiful, their work communicates at many
levels,” said Dr. Elizabeth Goring. “It is, above all, honest and – for want of a better term –
‘not too precious’.”
As a special focus for the National Craft Gallery, Ireland, the curators have also selected
three of the most exciting graduating Irish jewellers: Emma Cahill, Jaki Coffey and
Genevieve Howard, to show alongside the core exhibition.
Gregory Parsons, who will visit Kilkenny for the official launch of the exhibition, commented:
“Not Too Precious celebrates the endless possibilities presented by the natural and manmade materials that surround us. While some of the makers have used materials traditionally
seen as ‘precious’, they have chosen them for their beauty, strength and durability, or to
support other materials not generally considered ‘valuable’. It’s certainly an interesting time
for us to consider ‘value’ in all senses of the word.”
The two curators’ selection of work challenges our assumptions and understanding of what
‘non-precious’ may mean today, making this a timely and inspirational exhibition; a must-see
for all those with an interest in contemporary jewellery.
Not Too Precious – an international exhibition of contemporary jewellery in non-precious
materials runs at the National Craft Gallery, Castle Yard, Kilkenny from Friday, 22 nd January
to Wednesday, 30th March. Admission is free. Tel: 056 7796 147
A publication on the exhibition is available from the National Craft Gallery. For further details,
visit www.nationalcraftgallery.ie/exhibitions/not-too-precious .
- Ends -
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Programme of Events
(BR) Booking required
(F) Events are free unless (€) indicates otherwise
CURATOR’S TALK AND OFFICIAL LAUNCH: (F)
Friday, 22 January at 6pm
Gregory Parsons in conversation with guests
Followed by official opening at 7pm by Tara Murphy, owner/gallery director
Solomon Fine Art.
FAMILY DAY WORKSHOPS: (BR) (F)
One Saturday each month, free but booking is essential
Sorcha
Furlong
ANIMAL ALCHEMY Sat 13 Feb
Transform toy animals into jewellery. A workshop inspired by Felieke van der Leest’s
amazing animal creations.
10.30am & 12noon: Suitable for 5+ years
2.30pm: Teen workshop
BOOK BADGES Sat 26 March
Jewellery workshop using books inspired by Flóra Vági’s work
10.30am & 12noon: Suitable for 5+ years
2.30pm: Teen workshop
SCHOOLS: (BR)
SCHOOLS TOUR & ACTIVITY (F)
Tues - Fri 10am & 12noon
Exhibition guided talk followed by hands-on design activity.
PRINT MAKING, CPD WORKSHOP (€12)
Tues 16 Feb, 6pm
Post Primary CPD workshop in print making with Caroline Ryan
DESIGNER / MAKERS: (BR)
DRAWING AS RESEARCH (€5/€3)
Wed 17 Feb, Wed 16 March, 10.30am - 12.30pm
Explore drawing as a tool for developing creative ideas with jewellery designer/maker Inga
Reed
JEWELLERY SEMINAR (€)
Fri 11 March, 10.30am - 4.30pm
Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle. See website for further details
JEWELLERY MASTERCLASS (€)
Sat 12 March, 10am -12.30pm and 2pm - 4.30pm
Workshops for jewellery designers and makers. See website for further details
LATE DATE (F)
Once per exhibition, the gallery opens late for an after-hours look at the current exhibition,
accompanied by a glass of wine
Film Screening: Advanced Style
Thurs 25 Feb, 8pm
Advanced Style examines the lives of seven unique New Yorkers whose eclectic personal
style and vital spirit have guided their approach to aging
COMMUNITY: (BR) (F)
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY WORKSHOP
Tues 8 March, 10.30am - 1pm and 6pm - 8.30pm
Creative Engagement with Caroline Schofield
GALLERY TOURS (BR) (F)
EXHIBITION GUIDED VISITS
Would you like to bring a group to view an exhibition at the National Craft Gallery? We can
accommodate groups from 5 to 25 people. No fee applies. Call us and we can tailor a tour to
suit the needs of your visit.
CRAFTERNOON TOURS:
Saturdays, 3pm
Visitors are invited to book in for our informal afternoon tour.
Notes to Editors:
Designers and Makers Featured in Not Too Precious
Attai Chen, Carina Shoshtary, Eunmi Chun, Warwick Freeman, Emmeline Hastings, Christel
van der Laan, Felieke van der Leest, Sari Liimatta, Märta Mattsson, Jasmin Matzakow,
Kazumi Nagano, Shinji Nakaba, Lina Peterson, Zoe Robertson, Michihiro Sato, Mariko
Sumioka, Emiko Suo, Tore Svensson, Janna Syvänoja, Mirei Takeuchi, Timothy Information
Limited, Terhi Tolvanen, Catherine Truman, Flóra Vági, Heather Woof, Emma Cahill, Jaki
Coffey, Genevieve Howard.
About the National Craft Gallery
Established by the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland in 2000, the National Craft Gallery is
Ireland’s leading centre for contemporary craft and design. It exhibits Irish and international
designers, artists and makers who push boundaries in their engagement with the making
process. Its mission is to inspire appreciation, creativity and innovation and it plays a critical
role
in
building
understanding
of
craft
and
material
culture
in
Ireland.
www.nationalcraftgallery.ie
About the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland
The Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI), which is headquartered in Kilkenny, is the
main champion of the craft and design industry in Ireland, fostering its growth and
commercial strength, communicating its unique identity and stimulating quality design,
innovation and competitiveness. DCCoI’s activities are funded by the Department of Jobs,
Enterprise and Innovation via Enterprise Ireland. DCCoI currently has over 70 member
organisations and over 3,000 registered clients. www.dccoi.ie