This pendent is priced at €99.
Acclaimed Irish jewellery maker Peter Gough, who once designed a collection for a formula one racing team, has created a unique collection of bespoke handcrafted pieces exclusively for the City Hall Crafts and Design Fair in Cork from November 23-25.
With 85 exhibitors, the traditional opening to the festive season in Cork offers a chance to pick up individual and original Christmas gifts.
Owner of Oilean Jewellery, Peter Gough, has honed a limited-edition, individually designed Dawn Collection, comprising breath-taking fused copper and sterling silver items, exclusive to customers of the Fair.
“The collection is inspired by the first rays of light at dawn,” he said.
“By fusing sterling silver and copper, I have created a bespoke ensemble celebrating the hope and beauty dawn brings.
“Each piece is individually handcrafted and carefully textured to show the darkness of night moving to the brilliance of daylight.”
The Howth jeweller has had a diverse career, since accidentally falling into the jewellery trade in the UK.
“I went to London after finishing school, with the aim of studying to be an architect, but learned pretty fast it wasn’t for me.
“At that time London had a diverse diamond jewellery market and I learned the trade from the bottom up.”
After returning home to work in a number of top Irish jewellery stores, including Appleby’s, and creating Irish music gifts for Walton’s, he decided to go into business for himself.
“I was commissioned by Williams Formula One Team to make collective pieces from car parts, which I did for a time.”
When the recession hit, Peter found there was a dwindling market for high-end diamond pieces and began to look to the coastline for inspiration to make more affordable pieces and allow him to express his creativity.
“The new collection is inspired by the rugged beauty of our coastline and is a fusion of various metals including copper, silver and gold, all finished in a rustic and natural texture.”
Over €150,000 per-day will be spent at the biggest contemporary crafts fair outside Dublin, and fairgoers in search of an original Christmas idea can be guaranteed a haven of quality wares, both for gifts and the home, this festive season.
There will be a huge emphasis on local makers such as Shanagarry botanical artist Belinda Northcote and Bantry wildlife artist Annabel Langrish.
The Fair will also feature The Spectacular Christmas Food Emporium, with over 25 local artisan food producers, taste-tempting visitors with the best of the season’s fare.
This year the Fair features an amazing attraction for children – a Superhero Transformation Station.
Children can design their own superhero masks, thanks to the children’s arts and health charity, Helium Arts, and then feature in a special graduation in the superhero selfie booth.
“The City Hall Crafts and Design Fair gives people the ideal chance to secure original and unique Christmas presents in a wonderful setting,” said Festival organiser Patrick O’Sullivan.
“Shoppers will find a wide range of crafts, artisan-made goods, food and drink, stunning handmade jewellery and accessories.
“This year we have a lot of new content with many first-time exhibitors showcasing the best of new craft and food products from around the country.”
The 27th City Hall Crafts and Design Fair takes place at City Hall, Cork from November 23-25. Full details and booking options can be found at www.cityhallcraftsfair.ie.
