While in Kilkenny for the Arts Festival (10–18 August), be sure to visit the potters and ceramicists located around Bennettsbridge, writes Treasa O’Brien
Kilkenny’s tradition of pottery is a relatively new one and is intertwined with the history of craft and design in the area. In 1962, the Irish government commissioned what is known as the Scandinavian Report to assess the need for good design in Irish products in craft and industry. The report recommended that a design centre be set up in Ireland in order to encourage and facilitate Irish design. This centre, opened in 1965, was located across the road from Kilkenny Castle in the stable yard and was called Kilkenny Design
Shane O’ Toole finds that the tragic atmosphere that had dogged the buildings of St Joseph’s Reformatory has been exorcised
Paul O’ Reilly previews a major exhibition of new work by John Shinnors which will open in his home town of Limerick on 19 September