Minister Ged Nash TD attempts to resize a ring under the watchful eye of Garrett Mallon, Karen Hennessy, CEO Design and Craft Council of Ireland and Frank O’Brien, Louth Leader Partnership at the official opening of Garrett’s Carlingford Design House, Carlingford.

THERE was a full house for the official opening of Garrett Mallon’s new studio and shop, Carlingford Design House, last Friday evening.

Guests were extremely impressed by the premises which includes a retail unit stocking work by 45 makers from around the country, Garrett’s own studio and a workshop where classes can be held.

Garrett, his wife Sarah and children, welcomed guests to join them in celebrating the official opening of what is one of the finest craft ventures in the country.

Minister Ged Nash TD spoke of his great admiration for Garrett’s work, which he described as ‘very distinctive, original and unique’.

He said that Louth should be very proud of the commitment which has been made to the creative industries and described Garrett’s opening of the new premises as ‘a vote of confidence in Carlingford and Louth’.

He outlined the importance of the craft sector to the economy, noting that next year has been designated as the Irish Year of Design with the sector having the potential to create two thousand new jobs.

Ms Karen Hennessy, CEO of the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland, said that Garrett was ‘inspiring’ and recalled that the Council had presented cuff links which he had made to President Michael D Higgins when he attended Showcase shortly after his election.

It was ‘wonderful’ that the work of 45 makers is now on sale in Carlingford.

Mr Frank O’Brien of Louth Leader Partnership congratulated Garrett on a ‘wonderful job’ and said they had been pleased to provide funding.

Part of the very large attendance at the official opening of Garrett Mallon’s Carlingford Design House, Carlingford

View PDF >> ARGUS | Wednesday, October 8, 2014
By MARGARET RODDY