Press Release

Craft Fair goes ‘potty’ over Docpot

Tuesday 13th November 2007

Its that time of the year again, the Halloween festivities are over and plans are afoot for the annual Crafts Fair which takes place at the Guildhall this weekend, Friday 16 - Sunday 19 November.

Deirdre O'Callaghan from Docpot who is one of the exhibitors at this weekend's Craft Fair at the Guildhall, pictured with Cllr Gerard Diver, chairman of the Development Committee.

Now in its 13th year, the event is renowned as being the ‘showcase of crafts in the north’ and has attracted a range of exhibitors from all over Ireland. This year’s event combines a unique selection of contemporary and traditional products and designs and is the ideal location for those interested in purchasing some special and unique gifts for Christmas.

As well as attracting a range of new exhibitors, this year’s event welcomes back a number of regular exhibitors such as Deirdre O’Callaghan, creator of Docpot studios in Pump Street.

A regular contributor to the Craft Fair, Deirdre has been attending the event since she started her ceramics and pottery business in 2001.

“The Derry Craft Fair is a unique event for me as it enables me to showcase my produce to the local market, touch base with my regular customers, meet with other producers as well as secure new customers. The Guildhall is a great location and there is a real festive atmosphere at the event. I really love being part of it and look forward to it every year.”

Deirdre produces a unique design of functional ceramic pottery and tableware from her Pump Street studio. Her style is easily recognisable with its spotted texture and mix of colours and design. It is beautifully crafted and varies in price from £5 to £70, thus making it an affordable household item or gift.

Since her business was set up in 2001, Deirdre has enjoyed great success and is confident about the future. “It has been difficult setting up a business from scratch, but it has been very worthwhile and a very rewarding experience. After I graduated with a degree in Ceramics and Glass, I went to work with a potter for four years, thus gaining a wealth of experience in running a business and thanks to New Deal, I was able to set myself up and work from my studio in the heart of the city. I attend a number of trade fairs and have achieved great success from them with my produce now selling from a wide range of shops and outlets across Ireland and the UK. I am currently working on a new range of green pottery, which I hope will be ready for next year and will further enhance my existing range of products."

“Its great to be part of the Guildhall Craft Fair and I feel privileged to be able to support this local event and to get the opportunity to display my ceramics and pottery to the local market.”

Docpot is based at Pump Street and is contactable at enquiries@docpot.com

The chairman of the Development Committee, Councillor Gerard Diver said he was delighted at the number of regular contributors to this year’s event. “This year’s craft fair offers a wide range of high quality retailers and independent traders who are constantly developing new ideas, colours, styles and textures. The event gains momentum each year and we are delighted to see regular traders return year after year. The event has also attracted a range of new exhibitors with new products, making it the ultimate shopping experience in the run up to Christmas.”

The Craft Fair opens on Friday 16th November from 4pm-8pm; Saturday 17th November from 10am-6pm and Sunday 19th November from 11am-5pm. Entrance fee is £1.

For further information about the craft fair visit www.derrycity.gov.uk/economicdevelopment and click on craft fair.

Ends

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