7 to 20 November 2018
City Assembly House, 58 South William Street, Dublin 2

The Irish Georgian Society is delighted to host the exhibition ‘Rugs and Jewels’ Originally shown in Milan where Irish artist Nuala Goodman and Italian designer Donatella Pellini live, Nuala Goodman's seven rugs and Donatella Pellini's seven pieces of jewellery draw inspiration from the 9th century illuminated Celtic manuscript 'The Book of Kells', a world famous Irish historic source. The illustrations in the Book of Kells are timeless; the intense colours and the fantastical creatures twisting around the ornate lettering are startlingly modern. In these rugs and jewellery presented at the Irish Georgian Society, the famous books' illuminated illustrations have been reinterpreted in a contemporary way.

The ornate celtic lettering has been recomposed into words, some of which resonate particularly in today's world, others are eternal. References can be found to the popular culture of graffiti and tattoos.

The Irish Georgian Society promotes and encourages an interest in the Decorative Arts of every period in Ireland. For this reason it is an ideal location in which to present this work which crosses the boundaries between art, design and fine craftsmanship.

Nuala Goodman’s Rugs or ‘Arazzi’ are produced in a limited edition of 7 pieces each. They are suitable for being displayed either on a floor or as a wallhanging. They are in wool and silk, handknotted by master craftsmen in India. Donatella Pellini’s resin jewellery pieces contain the same words and become 'wearable messages'. They are hand-made in the Pellini workshop in Milan, also in a limited edition.