Local craftsman, Robert O’Connor from O’Connor Woodturning Studio in Gorey recently received the greatest honour, when he was asked to commission a ‘bespoke’ piece for President Michael D. Higgins. The Woodturning Studio is a member of the Wexford Trails, a network of over 90 members with five tourist trails; Wexford Craft Trail; Wexford Heritage Trail; Wexford Walking Trail; Wexford Garden & Wexford Cycling Trail.
President Higgins was presented with the specially commissioned piece at the European Young Scientist Awards in Dublin recently. The piece entitled ‘The Stones of Ireland’ was inspired from the old ancient stone walls of Ireland, which can still be seen in rural Ireland.
Commenting on the award to President Higgins, Robert O’Connor, Proprietor of O’Connor Woodturning Studio said; “it was a huge honour to be asked to create this piece, as it was for President Michael D. Higgins the piece was very fitting, as he was reared on a farm in County Clare where the stone walls are so prevalent. A huge amount of hours were put in to create the final product and we hope the President will take pride in the meaning and craftsmanship that was involved in its creation.”
Describing the creative process, O’Connor added: “The piece started as a flat piece of Ash with the stone wall design carved into the inner section and a capping textured on the outer edge, it is then scorched, ebonised and coloured. We were delighted with the outcome!”