This exhibition brings together artists, craftspeople, and companies at the frontier of contemporary Irish design
Make sure to check it out before it’s gone.
Running from June 20-27 at 18 Ormond Quay Upper in Dublin 7, A Different Kettle of Fish Altogether is the first exhibition from Fort Gallery. a newly established platform for material culture and craft. It seeks to reimagine the identity of Irish craft, both domestically and internationally, by providing an independent platform for artists, makers, and companies.
The opening night, Friday, June from 6-9pm, will include a live performance by Róís at 7:45pm, while the exhibition itself brings together a group of 14 craftspeople, artists and companies who challenge conventional narratives around making. These include: Laura Mays, woodworker and Loewe Craft Prize nominee; Róisín de Buitléar, artist and founder of Ceird; Sam Gleeson of ThisIsWhatWeDo, an award-winning knife maker; glass and material design house J Hill’s Standard; and Michael ‘Muck’ Murphy of Non-violent Cutlery.
The work will sit in the beautiful setting of a rare 17th-century merchant’s house, beautifully restored by the Dublin Civic Trust.
On Saturday, June 21, there will also be a series of talks from 11am-1:30pm that explore the stories behind the work. Speakers include stonemason Dominic Keogh, Róisín de Buitléar, Aisling Farinella, Michael ‘Muck’ Murphy, and Carlow-based ceramicist Jim Behan.
Fort’s founder, Dee Morgan-Smyth, explains why she felt compelled to create it. “I’ve always held deep respect for craftspeople and artists, especially those rooted in Ireland. But, I’ve witnessed gaps where commercial interests overshadowed quality, story, and the people behind the work. These makers were left without the platforms or recognition they deserve. I want to navigate that in a honest and sincere way.
“I’m captivated by the material, but even more by the lives and stories behind it. Craft is a kind of exposure, something deeply personal made physical. Fort emerged from that space where tradition and contemporary meet – between rural and urban, the sensual and the precise. As architect Tom de Paor put it, I too am ‘after the silent power of material.’ Let’s not allow these languages to disappear.”
Photography: Cliodhna Prendergast
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