Competition a joint initiative between the National Museum of Ireland and Design & Crafts Council Ireland
Maker’s work will become part of the National Museum of Ireland’s permanent collection
26 November 2020: Following a competition earlier this year, Cork-based silversmith Annemarie Reinhold* has been selected to create a sculptural piece in response to the Covid-19 crisis. The finished work will join the National Museum of Ireland’s permanent collection, as part of its Contemporary Collection of Design and Craft**. This commission will help capture the essence of this unique time in our history, for future generations.
The judging panel for this initiative comprised representatives from the National Museum of Ireland and Jean Blanchaert, Director of Galleria Blanchaert in Milan, and curator of the ‘Best in Europe’ pavilion at Homo Faber 2018 in Venice.
A graduate of NCAD, Bishopsland Educational Trust in the UK and the DCCI Jewellery Skills Course, Kilkenny, Annemarie Reinhold uses traditional silversmithing techniques to make sculptural and wearable objects and she takes inspiration from nature. She will be creating a ‘Spoon Garden’ inspired by vegetable gardens as her response to Covid-19, with each silver spoon displayed in a wooden block, with a cut out centre.
Explaining the inspiration for the piece she said; “Like lots of people, I was living in a small space in a city during the lockdown and it got me thinking a lot about nature and the privilege it is, especially at a time like this, to have your own outdoor space and to be able to enjoy the outdoors. Amidst all the change, nature and the seasons have also been a really important constant for us all, and planting and gardening have given a lot of people great comfort during difficult days. This is what I hope to capture in the ‘Spoon Garden’.
“I’m so honoured to have been awarded such an important commission and to be supported in actualising my work, for the National Museum of Ireland’s permanent collection,” she said.
Lynn Scarff, Director of the National Museum of Ireland, said; “We are delighted to be working with the DCCI on this special commission. The concept that Annemarie has developed tells an important story about Ireland during Covid-19, and how so many of us have all reverted to nature for physical and spiritual nourishment. Our Irish Silver Exhibition in Collins Barracks traces the development of the craft from the early 17th century to the present day, and this work will be an important addition to our Contemporary Collection of Design and Craft, marking what has been an unforgettable period for the country.”
Rosemary Steen, CEO, Design & Crafts Council Ireland, said; “Silversmithing has a long history in Ireland, which has been enjoying a revival in recent years. Makers like Annemarie are creating beautiful items for everyday use and ornamental purposes. We are proud of Annemarie’s achievement and look forward to seeing the finished ‘Spoon Garden’. It is a wonderful legacy for future generations to contemplate and enjoy.”
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Notes to the Editor:
*About Annemarie Reinhold
Originally from Germany but living in Ireland for 12 years, Annemarie Reinhold is based in the Benchspace Creative Hub in Cork City. In 2016 and 2019 she was a recipient of a Future Makers Award. In 2017, she was honoured to be selected for an RDS Craft Award as an emerging maker in the silversmithing and metalwork category. In 2020 she was chosen for a Golden Fleece Award. Some of her work will also be on display as part of an upcoming exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland called INFORM, which will open next year in association with the Design & Crafts Council Ireland.
**About the Contemporary Collection of Design and Craft (CCDC)
The Contemporary Collection of Design and Craft was established in 2004 to collect contemporary high-quality works from Ireland’s leading designer-makers by the National Museum of Ireland in order to preserve the antiques of tomorrow for future generations. The collection, jointly funded by the National Museum of Ireland and Design & Crafts Council Ireland, complements, and enhances the NMI’s existing collection of Ireland’s portable heritage.
Website: https://portfolio.dccoi.ie/museum
About the National Museum of Ireland
The National Museum of Ireland is the nation’s premier cultural institution and home to the greatest collections of Irish heritage, culture and history. Admission is free.
The National Museum of Ireland has 4 public sites, and a Collections Repository:
- National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology (Kildare Street, Dublin)
- National Museum of Ireland – Natural History (Merrion Street, Dublin)
- National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History (Collins Barracks, Dublin)
- National Museum of Ireland – Country Life (Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo)
- Collections Resource Centre (Swords) (Not open to the public)
- Website: www.museum.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalMuseumofIreland
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NMIreland
Instagram: @nationalmuseumofireland
About Design & Crafts Council Ireland
Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) is the national agency for the commercial development of Irish designers and makers, stimulating innovation, championing design thinking and informing Government policy. DCCI's activities are funded by the Department of Trade, Enterprise and Employment via Enterprise Ireland. DCCI currently has 62 member organisations and over 2,500 registered clients. www.dcci.ie