Slice of the City
THE GOOD SHOPPER
Crafty Cork
1. Fingal Ferguson Knives
Fingal Ferguson’s coveted knifes are, simply put, works of art. Fingal was born and raised in Gubbeen, West Cork, where his family'srenowned production of Gubbeen produce takes place. Fingal inherited his uncle’s collection of knifes, which were gathered from travels around the world and developed a keen interest in the craft of knife making, understanding the essential nature of knives as tools. Fingal, who is also a butcher, aims to make quality knives that stand the test of time. These culinary knives are made with exquisite materials including metals, beautiful woods, bone, and antler. Fingal sells an extremely limited number of knives via his website once a month. Sign up to his newsletter to be in the know.
2. Jim Turner Ceramicist
Jim Turner is an award-winning ceramicist based in West Cork. Following the completion of his degrees in Ceramic Design, Jim began his work as a ceramic artist and was a former part-time lecturer in Rossa College, leading many workshops for Ceramics Ireland and The Society of Cork Potters. Jim underwent a residency in Jingdezhen in China, the porcelain capital of the world, which heavily influenced his visual artistry and design aesthetic. His designs involve unique shapes and textured surfaces. Inspiration for his work comes from the internal dialogue, the landscapes and experiences in which he finds himself. See Jim’s work on Instagram:
3. Kinsale Leather
In 2015, owner Dee Mangan opened Kinsale Leather and set out to create leather companions for everyday adventures. The goal was to create simple handmade items of beauty and value which are made to last. In 2016, Dee was awarded the Irish Accessory Designer of the Year. Kinsale Leather’s ethos centres on simplicity. They create small, limited-edition batches of designs in core colours without the need for loud designs or logos. This allows for the integrity of the design and the quality of the leather to speak for itself. You’ll find a wide range of beautifully crafted products from overnight bags, totes, backpacks, clutches, and wallets, each designed and made in their store in Kinsale using excellent quality leather.
4. Enibas Jewellery
Starting out from humble beginnings in 1993, owner and designer Sabine inverted the spelling of her name, and thus Enibas was born. She set-up her jewellery business at a local craft market in the seaside village of Schull in Cork. She added a shop in Kinsale and later added a shop in Main Street Cork to her repertoire. Sabine’s designs are inspired by the Irish language, people, heritage, and the rugged Irish landscapes. Her elegant creations often contain inscriptions of Celtic designs and words. Enibas Jewellery celebrates the beauty of Ireland’s heritage while also celebrating the inner beauty of the wearer. Their collections include earrings, bracelets, rings and necklaces and offers the perfect meaningful gift to celebrate the special people in your life.
5. Alan Horgan Studio
In 2013, Alan Horgan, a self-taught furniture designer and maker, founded his studio in Blackwater Valley. His skilled craftmanship creates abstract, handcrafted pieces such as furniture, light fixtures and wall coverings made from the finest native and exotic hardwoods, veneers, and materials. Alan draws inspiration from the nature surrounding his studio. His unusual and eye-catching work is both traditional and innovative. He effortlessly transforms natural materials into spectacular contemporary, and timeless pieces, adding beauty and luxury to their surroundings. Sustainability is embedded in the values of this studio. Alan’s goal is to create modern, design-led heirlooms, which can be passed down from generation to generation. You can shop from Alan’s collections or get in touch to create your own bespoke tailored piece.
