Stamps Celebrate 'Year of Craft' in Ireland

Ireland's An Post is celebrating contemporary Irish craft by issuing five craft stamps to celebrate the Year of Craft in Ireland.  The stamps highlight the five craft disciplines - ceramics, glass, metal, textiles and wood.

The five 55c stamps were designed by Irish graphic designer Ger Garland. The work of five leading craft artists/makers illustrates each.

According to a write-up on the An Post website,"Irish craftspeople today produce innovative, contemporary work using traditional, sometimes ancient skills. Craft covers everything from woodturning and basket making to blacksmithing and stained glass making. It is estimated that almost 5000 people are employed in craft, making the sector a significant contributor to the Irish economy."

It goes on to say, "In recent years Ireland has achieved a reputation as a world-class source of contemporary fine craft. Irish craft makers have participated at international shows such as the biennial LOOT, held at the Museum of Art and Design in New York, SOFA (Sculpture Objects & Functional Art) in Chicago and more recently Collect in London, putting contemporary Irish craft on the international stage."

Shown above, crafts artists/makers with a blow-up of the new stamps featuring their creations.

For more on this story, click here.