Irish Design in France – IADT Design Historian, Dr Linda King, writes for the Department of Foreign Affairs

Working with Irish creative company, BigO, Dr Linda King produced four case studies demonstrating Irish designers’ huge contribution to French culture. These are Eileen Gray (architectural, furniture, textile and graphic design); Peter Rice (structural engineering); Grafton Architects; and IADT’s own Peter O’Brien (fashion and costume design) who teaches Costume Design on the Design for Film and Design for Stage and Screen programmes.

The Department of Foreign Affairs website has a further IADT connection as it was designed by IADT Visual Communication/Graphic Design alumnus Conor Lumsden.

Visit the Irish Design in France website here to read Linda’s essay.

Dr Tina Kinsella, Head of Research at IADT, commented:

“This piece is a timely reminder of the unique influence French cultural life has had on Irish design for more than a century. Not only do the four case studies artfully illuminate the historical exchange between French and Irish design, they also help us to understand the continuing influence and reach of Irish design in the present day, within European and Global contexts.”

More information about Irish creative company, BigO can be found here.

Header images: Eileen Gray image © National Museum of Ireland. Peter O’Brien image © Peter O’Brien.