Design: 1. Triona McCarthy and Aisling O'Loughlin; 2. Emer O'Leary of Me & Emee. (Pix. AE)
Shopping for beautiful hand-crafts and original Irish design, from jewellery and accessories to home-wares, takes an interesting twist this month with the opening of The Design Loft @ Powerscourt Estate, an exciting new retail concept.
The brainchild of entrepreneur
Sinead Buckley Quinn, the spectacular gallery at Powerscourt House, Co. Wicklow, will house a
collection from ten different local designers, artists and makers each month in
a ‘rotating pop-up shop’.
The store was officially opened by
Senator Feargal Quinn, who spoke about his passion for retail and praised the
new business venture. He was presented with a gift of Killiney Arts bone
china, created by artists Simon Hoe and Blaithin Quinn, who are among the initial artists ‘in residence’ at
The Design Loft.
Among the guests were Aisling O’Loughlin
of TV3, with her young son Patrick. She lives on the grounds of the
nearby Kilruddery House and was looking forward to the Groove music festival
that was taking place at the historic estate. Triona McCarthy attended
with her mother Margaret, they also didn’t have far to travel as they were
enjoying a relaxing break at Druid’s Glen.
Milliner Sarah McGahon was there and
is one of the designers stocked. Sarah Slazenger, whose family own the
Powerscourt Estate, welcomed the new addition to the house. She manages
the 1,000 acre estate and is responsible for the ongoing development and growth
of the business.
The retail offering at the Design
Loft is carefully selected with quality design and originality paramount in the selection process.
Designers will also regularly be on hand to meet visitors and discuss their
work.
