President Higgins received members of the Glass Society of Ireland in Áras an Uachtaráin to view the installation of their Glass Quilt, entitled ‘A Breath of Fresh Air’, in the State Dining Room.
The Keep Well Glass Quilt Project is a unique collaborative initiative, undertaken by the members of the Glass Society of Ireland during the third wave of COVID-19 and the subsequent 12 weeks of lockdown. Confined to 5km of their homes and studios, 50 glassmakers came together virtually to collaborate on a large glass quilt, making two pieces each.
The primary aim of this project was to look after members’ mental health and create connections within the glass community. Professional and amateur glassmakers are represented as well as all techniques of glassmaking, from traditional cutting, glass painting, kiln working, blowing, etching, engraving and lampworking. Made of individual rhomboid shapes, each glassmaker interpreted their own ideas around what the theme - ‘A Breath of Fresh Air’ - meant to them. It will be in place in Áras an Uachtaráin until January.
