IRELAND:At the National Museum, a glass quilt made during the lockdown is on exhibit

Collaborative artwork created by 50 glassmakers from across the island of Ireland during the Covid lockdown has gone on display.

Confined to within five kilometres of their homes and studios, the glassmakers came together virtually to collaborate on a large glass quilt.

The quilt is currently on display at the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life in Co Mayo.

One of the project's coordinators, the artist Roisin de Buitlear, said: "Our membership has become closer as a result of our online meetings and sharing of the creative process during this project.

The glass patchwork is a one-of-a-kind and historic portfolio of Irish artists and their kind attitude of community during a trying time, since some of Ireland's top glassmakers are represented in it.

"We are grateful to the artists and the Glass Society of Ireland for the opportunity to display this beautiful artwork at the National Museum of Ireland in Co Mayo," said Dr. Audrey Whitty, deputy director/head of collections and learning at the National Museum of Ireland.

"Each individual piece of glass offers a distinctive viewpoint on a moment in history that has never been experienced before.

"During our joint Covid-19 journey, art and culture demonstrated to be a vital means of expression, and we know now, more than ever, what a privilege it is to be able to share and engage with these artworks in our public spaces with our visitors."

Professional and amateur glassmakers, as well as every glassmaking method, including classic cutting, glass painting, kiln working, etching, engraving, and lampworking, are all represented in the artwork.

Ireland's four provinces are all represented, uniting the entire island in a single collaborative work.

The quilt was chosen by an international jury for Venice Glass Week and shown at both President Michael D. Higgins's residence at Aras an Uachtarain and Dublin Castle for the World Craft Council summit.