Kerry craftspeople ready for RDS fair

AWARD-WINNING ceramicist Mary Neeson and renowned Dingle-based Holden Leathergoods will showcase their work at a huge, five-day contemporary craft and design fair in the RDS, Dublin, next month.

Hundreds of designers, makers, and artisan producers will have their talents on display at ‘Gifted’ in the RDS Main Hall from December 5 to 9, including Holden Leathergoods and Ms Neeson.

Conor Holden has designed and made leather goods in the Dingle area for almost 30 years, crafting items such as handbags, briefcases and wallets – by hand – using top-class leather. He told The Kerryman that he is no stranger to ‘Gifted’.

“We’ve been showcasing at it for over 25 years, on and off, and it’s great; it opens the door for direct sales,” he said.

“A lot of people, particularly in the Dublin area, would discover our products there, where they mightn’t have been able to with us being based in Kerry.”

Well known having showcased her specialities, porcelain and bronze, at Killarney’s Blue Pool Gallery over the last seven years,, Mary Neeson has described simplicity as her greatest asset and is looking forward to reaching an audience of over 45,000 through this fair.

“I think simple things with clean lines prove timeless and classic as opposed to varying trends,” said Mary.

“I suppose my motto is less is more, because I prefer simplicity. I design for myself, and I think that makes all the difference when you remain true to your own thoughts and ideas.”

Mary Neeson