Why We’re Potty About Ceramic Star Laura Magahy

Laura Magahy?has a?CV to’make even the greatest overachiever weep. The creative mind (and hands) behind Arran Street East ceramics is also the MD of MCO Projects and executive chairman of ID2015. Get inspired by the things that inspire her…

For everyday lunch in Dublin, I love to eat at Oxmantown, on the red Luas line, for great fresh food and really friendly service (oxmantown.com).

One of my favourite buildings in Ireland is the old Victorian Dublin Fruit & Vegetable Market on Mary’s Lane, behind Capel Street and a stone’s throw from Arran Street East. If you look closely at the building, there are really charming terracotta label stops between the arches, each one depicting a different fish, fruit or vegetable.

Top of my wish list for 2015 was opening?up our own Arran Street East pottery studio to the public at, of course, Arran Street East, in the Markets Area of Dublin? (arranstreeteast.ie).

My favourite city is Paris. It’s such an easy city to walk around, and everywhere you look is beautiful or interesting – from the old buildings with their widely varying iron balconies, to the pretty public gardens, intimate caf’s and individualistic shops.

The designer that most inspires me is Charles Rennie Mackintosh. His style combined strong right angles with decorative floral motifs, and his concern was always to build around the needs of people.

The piece of good design I couldn’t live without is my Montblanc fountain pen, because it writes beautifully – despite my own efforts – and looks lovely (montblanc.com).

Ireland’s best-kept secret, in my opinion, is Inis O?rr (Inisheer), the smallest of the Aran Islands – where they grow potatoes in the sand, and everything tastes amazing.