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County Down artist/craftsperson Claire Mooney is one of nine young crafts people selected to feature in new Sky Arts show Bill Bailey’s Master Crafters: The Next Generation. Claire who works at social enterprise Moneydarragh Hub, Annalong is one of three silversmiths who were selected from across Ireland and the U.K. to represent the next generation of silversmiths in challenges alongside presenter and comedian Bill Bailey.
Silversmithing, glass and wood carving are explored across the series with presenter Bill Bailey learning about each skill from experienced craftspeople. The show highlights the work and techniques used within their disciplines, and encourages the sharing of skills to a new generation of makers.
During the show Claire visited renowned silversmithing company Thomas Lyte, famous for their intricate trophy designs including the FA Cup and Rugby World Cup. Claire took part in a masterclass challenge led by Ndidi Ekubia MBE alongside young silversmiths Henry Ball and Manasi Depala. In the final stage of the show the makers were given an opportunity to create a piece of silverware for display in Highgrove Gardens.
When speaking about her appearance on the show Claire said; “It was a surprise to be asked to participate in the show, but it’s been a really interesting project to be involved in. The highlight for me has been meeting the other makers and the training craftspeople. There’s so much more within the field of silversmithing to explore and I’m continually learning as I continue my career.”
Claire began her silversmithing journey during a foundation arts course at Ulster University, continuing on to complete a BA in Silversmithing and Jewellery. She also took part earlier this year in a Social Enterprise NI Dragons Den event at Newry and Mourne Co-Operative and Enterprise Agency.
Since graduating in 2018 she has developed her workshop and trained with Sheffield based metal spinner Warren Martin on a number of intensive training projects to build on her silver spinning technique and skills. Silver spinning is noted as a critically endangered skill on the Heritage Crafts 2023 Red List of Endangered Crafts.
“I particularly like how Bill Bailey’s Master Crafters explores training avenues and encourages the uptake of these traditional crafts which have seen decline in previous years.” In line with the spirit of the show Claire is passionate about passing on her metalsmithing knowledge, hosting jewellery and metalsmithing classes. Claire is set to deliver a four-day metalsmithing summer scheme for young people age 13+ at Moneydarragh Hub beginning 7th August.
