Robert’s special wood crafts fit for a President
COUNTY Wexford craftsman, Robert O’Connor recently received a high honour when he was commissioned to make a special piece for the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins.
President Higgins, now newly elected for a second term, was presented with the bespoke piece when he attended the European Young Scientist Awards in Dublin recently.
The presentation piece titled ‘ The Stones of Ireland’ was inspired by the old ancient stone walls of Ireland, which can still be seen in many rural areas.
Robert, the proprietor of O’Connor Woodturning Studio in Gorey, said he was delighted with the commission and it was a huge privilege for him to to have been asked to create the wood sculpture for the President.
‘ The piece was fitting for Michael D. Higgins as he was reared on a farm in County Clare where stone walls are so prevalent. A huge amount of hours went into creating the final product and we hope the President will take pride in the meaning and craftsmanships that was involved’, he said.
Describing the creative process, Robert said: ‘ The piece started as a flat piece of Ash and the stone wall design was carved into the inner section and a capping textured on the outer edge. It was then scorched, ebonised and coloured.’.
‘We were delighted with the outcome and we hope that President Higgins will enjoy and appreciate it’, O’Connor Woodturning Studio is a member of Wexford Craft Trail, a group of over 20 craft businesses in County Wexford, which is, in turn, a member of the Wexford Trails which incorporates a network of over 90 members in five tourist trails: Wexford Craft Trail, Wexford Heritage Trail, Wexford Walking Trail, Wexford Garden and Wexford Cycling Trail.