When I started this blog, writing about Christmas markets was one of the things I was most excited about doing. When you visit a market you get to see from work from an ever-increasing community of artists, you find unique items you mightn’t see elsewhere , and you are supporting local artists and makers. What’s not to like?
So it was with great glee that I visited the Lewis Glucksman Craft Market over the weekend. This market is hosted every year in the stunning Glucksman Gallery on the grounds of UCC in Cork. Tickets can be booked online or paid for at the door. I’m not a massive fan of the paid admission but the ticket fees goes towards the gallery education programs and it helps control numbers which is still very important.
The market is split over two floors with the stalls spaced for social distancing. The art gallery is an excellent place for a craft fair with its open plan design, lofty ceilings and abundance of natural light. Seriously, it’s worth a visit just to admire the views from the upper floors. This background combined with the artists masterfully arranged displays really allows the products to shine.
As for the crafts on display, there is a rich mix of handmade jewellery, ceramics, scarves, prints, wood-work, felt-work, handmade soaps and more. If you’re a regular visitor to gift shops around Cork, then you are likely to recognize some of these makers. But I see that as a testament to the Shop Local movement and the impact independent retailers are having on the high street. And here you get the chance to speak to the artist and hear about how their work was created.
If you have been to the market before, there are new sellers but you will recognize a lot of sellers from previous years. This can be seen as a positive or a negative. Some might feel like they’ve seen it all before, and that they’d like to see something new. Others will enjoy seeing the artists new work or they will find something that they weren’t looking for the last time they attended. For instance, I bought a decoration for a tiny little fairy who wasn’t born when the last market was on.
As for my shopping, I picked up a few ceramic decorations, a lovely necklace and a print I’ve had my eye on for a while. I hesitate to discuss pricing as everyone’s budget will vary but there is a wide mix of prices so hopefully everyone will find something that suits them.
Overall, this market is well worth a visit. It’s well laid-out, the setting is gorgeous, and there are some truly lovely pieces on display. I’ve left the link for the Glucksman Craft market below and the last day is today so get a wiggle on if you want see it yourself. Also, let me know if you’ve visited any markets yet this year. If so, did you enjoy them? Tell me more.
http://www.glucksman.org/vhttps://www.glucsman.org/events/craft-design-fair-21isit
She Kept Christmas 