JEWELLERY
FROM GLENDALOUGH
Fragments
of evidence bear witness to the sixth century monastic settlement
founded by St. Kevin which became a center of learning and
a university city. Many original celtic design motifs, carved
by early Christian artist/craftsmen, remain on the walls
of its seven churches to this day. Their interpretation,
in many cases, obscured in the mists of time.
Today,
JOE O'NEILL has created a range of solid sterling silver
jewellery from the beautiful celtic designs of his native
valley, so that you may be adorned with the works of Glendalough's
craftsmen, past and present.
Born
in Glendalough Valley, Joe O'Neill served an apprenticeship
in jewellery design. In 1975 Joe opened his own workshop.
His creativity and style are evident in the elegant range
of jewellery at his workshop. Each piece is individually
marked with his monogram J.O.N.
THE
JEWELLERY WORKSHOP AT THE WOOLLEN MILLS
A
wide range of styles can be seen in the comprehensive display
at the craft center. These included designs in 9ct and 14ct
gold, as well as in sterling silver. The range includes
a selection of rings in contemporary styles and an impressive
display of jewllery set with semi-precious stones: Tiger's
Eye, Amethyst and Agates. Ireland's native Connemara Marble
is featured in an elegant range that will enhance and adorn
any outfit.
CELTIC
ART
Celtic
Art is an ornamental style indigenous to Ireland and its
celtic neighbours. The Book of Kells, The Ardagh Chalice
and The Tara Brooch, the most famous Irish celtic artifacts,
are noted for their great beauty and the complexity of their
ornamental patterns. Patterns used in celtic designs may
be abstract, iconographic or symbolist in nature. The earliest
forms originated from spirals and developed through chevrons,
step patterns, interlacing knotwork, zoomorphics (animal
representations) and interlaced plant motifs to anthropomorphics
(human forms).
At
Glendalough all forms of Celtic patterns were used throughout
the centuries as decorative carvings on stonework of its
seven churches and on the pages of illuminated manuscripts:
The Drummond Martyrology and The Rawlinson B502 which have
been attributed to Glendalough.
GLENDALOUGH
DESIGN MOTIFS
The
Saltire Cross
The
Saltire Cross carved into the doorway (overhead) of St.
Mary's Church which was reputed to be used specifically
for women, probably marking a place of refuge or safety.
The
Gateway Cross
This
cross is carved into the wall inside the main entrance and
marked the point of protection and safety of the Monastery
for those in danger.
The
Tree Of Life
A
variation of the Tree of Life from St. Saviours Church which
embraces the whole of creation as the seven beings of the
celtic world…plant, insect, fish, reptile, bird, animal
and man. This design is unique to Glendalough.
The
Celtic Interlace
From
St. Saviours Church, symbolizing continuity of life, ending
and beginning. The symbol of eternity.
Two
Birds Holding a Human Head
From
St. Saviours Church. This design is reputed to be a symbol
of friendship between the inner and the outer man or spirit
and soul.
The
Spiral
As
a symbol, had a beginning at the dawn of man's intellect.
It represents the sun and instinctively it is man's first
artistic expression in drawing and construction (circular
huts).
Native
Connemara Marble
Examples
of our Connemara Marble range which would enhance and adorn
any outfit.
