The Crafts Council of Ireland showcases the new work of an extraordinary family who have joined forces to create this stunning exhibition.

Silver Connections celebrates the work of acclaimed Irish silversmiths and applied artists Michael McCrory, Deirdre McCrory and their daughter Cara Murphy. What is unique about this work is not only the fact that it was created by one family but the cutting edge design and mastery of materials it displays.

Michael has influenced the direction of applied arts in Northern Ireland, his wife Deirdre is well known for her work in citreous enamel and printmaking and their daughter Cara leads research in contemporary silversmithing at the University of Ulster. The Arts Council is delighted to see them joining forces to create what will no doubt be a very special exhibition.

Rosemary Kelly, Chairman, Arts Council of Northern Ireland

Acclaimed silversmith Michael’s designs are founded on balance of line, form and proportion. He has recently been using innovative digital technology and this new work is based on his current research into deep drawing and pressing of silver plate.

Deirdre is renowned for her mastery of fine line and control over the etching and enamelling processes. Her work reflects her inherent visual empathy with detail and natural form that manifests itself in intricate enamel plaques and on the printed image.

Focussing on the ‘landscape of tableware’, Cara’s organic, tactile work epitomises her skill, refinement and creativity as a leading silversmith. This body of work has seen a move away from highly functional objects as she focuses on form; ‘drawing’ with her materials.

The one constant throughout all of this work is silver, which provides a thread of continuity, binding the work of the three artists. Curated by Danae Kindness, Silver Connections combines material, craftsmanship and vision to make this work a major tour de force.

Following from the successful launch at the Island Arts Centre, Lisburn, Co. Antrim Silver Connections toured to Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart, Co. Antrim before moving to the National Craft Gallery, Kilkenny where it exhibits from 13th October – 26th November, 2006.