​Designer/Metalsmith/Sculptor

Kevin J. O'Dwyer

The exhibition catalogue Kevin O’Dwyer – Selected Works in Silver 1990–1997, published to accompany his first solo museum exhibition at the Ulster Museum, marks a pivotal moment in the artist’s career and in the recognition of contemporary silversmithing in Ireland. Bringing together a body of work that spans seven formative years, the exhibition highlighted O’Dwyer’s ability to merge traditional craft techniques with a bold, sculptural sensibility that pushes silver beyond functionality into the realm of art. The accompanying essay by curator Elise Taylor situates O’Dwyer’s practice within both national and international contexts, underscoring his innovative approach to material, form, and cultural reference. This publication not only documented a landmark exhibition but also established O’Dwyer’s reputation as a leading figure in contemporary metalwork, setting the stage for his subsequent international career.

A masterpiece of medieval art, St Manchan’s Shrine is Ireland's largest surviving reliquary. A unique example of Irish monastic metalsmithing combining Irish, late Viking/Urnes and Romanesque Christian art styles. This cross fertilization of styles and cultures makes it a unique study from both archaeological and metalsmithing perspectives.

Archaeologist Griffin Murray and metalsmith/photographer Kevin O’Dwyer are combining their expertise to create a high-quality full colour coffee table book that features O’Dwyer’s captivating and atmospheric photographs and Griffin Murray’s in-depth story telling of the history and folklore of the shrine. The publication will feature full and double-page image spreads, antiquarian drawings and descriptive metalsmithing close-ups. The text will be presented in a series of essay’s that will cover various topics including Saint Manchan and Lemanaghan, the art and craftsmanship of St Manchan’s Shrine, cultural cross fertilization – the Late Viking/Urnes style  - and the shrines relationship with the makers of The Cross of Cong. 

Saint Manchan's Shrine

​Art and Devotion in twelfth century Ireland

Purchase a copy online

The Eblana Gallery exhibition catalogue Kevin O’Dwyer – A Sparkling Party: Selected Works in Silver, published for the artist’s 2008 solo exhibition in Dublin, captures the elegance and inventive spirit of one of Ireland’s most accomplished silversmiths. The publication presents a carefully curated selection of O’Dwyer’s works, which balance sculptural form with functional design, reflecting both contemporary aesthetics and deep-rooted craft traditions. In A Sparkling Party, O’Dwyer reimagines silver not only as a medium of luxury but also as a playful, dynamic material, shaping vessels and objects that celebrate light, movement, and social ritual. The catalogue serves as both a visual record of the exhibition and an insight into O’Dwyer’s practice, situating his work within the broader context of Irish and international contemporary metalwork.