Exhibitions
Since completing his art and design education, Michael has run his own workshop working mainly to commission and designing and making work for exhibition.
For nearly three decades, between 1967 and 1996, Michael lectured in Silversmithing and Jewellery at the University of Ulster (formerly Ulster Polytechnic). Since being granted early retirement from the University in 1996 – where he had served as the Head of the School of Fine and Applied Arts from 1990 – he has been invited to participate in numerous exhibitions.
Michael exhibits nationally and internationally. His work can also be found in many private and public collections, including: The National Museum of Ireland, Dublin; The Victoria and Albert Museum, London; The Ulster Museum, Belfast; The Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast; The Lisburn Museum, Lisburn; Dublin Castle, Dublin; and The University of Ulster, Coleraine.
Notable exhibitions have included:
Irish Craft Portfolio (2010, 2011)
In 2011 Michael designed and made seven pieces of silverware for the Irish Craft Portfolio 2011 exhibition at the National Craft Gallery, Kilkenny, Ireland and Farmleigh Gallery, Dublin, Ireland. This followed his inclusion in the Irish Craft Portfolio 2010 exhibition the preceding year.
Designers and Makers (2009)
In 2009 Michael designed and made five pieces of silverware for the Designers and Makers exhibition at the F.E. McWilliam Gallery, Banbridge, N. Ireland, an exhibition that showcased a collection of fine craft and design featuring the work over 40 well-established and up-and-coming talented craftspeople from Ireland and the UK.
Silver with a Pinch of Salt (2009)
In 2009 Michael designed and made two pieces of silverware for the Silver with a Pinch of Salt exhibition at Goldsmiths' Hall, London. The exhibition which included works from 1589 to the present day, featured a cross section of contemporary silverware by leading UK designer silversmiths.
Made in Northern Ireland: A Dynamic of Change (2007)
In 2007 Michael designed and made two pieces of silverware for Made in Northern Ireland: A Dynamic of Change exhibition at the S. Dillon Ripley Centre, Smithsonian Instition, Washington DC, USA. The exhibition, which took a cross section of practising artists and craftsmen to the United States, celebrated the range of work being undertaken by contemporary practitioners in N. Ireland today.
Silver Connections (2006)
In 2006 Michael designed and made twenty one pieces of silverware for the Silver Connections, a Crafts Council of Ireland touring exhibition which featured the work of one family: Michael McCrory; his wife Deirdre McCrory, an enameller and printmaker; and their daughter Cara Murphy, a silvermith. The exhibition, which toured Ireland, exhibited in: the Island Arts Centre, Lisburn; Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart; and National Craft Gallery, Kilkenny, Ireland.
Cutlery (1999)
In 1999 Michael designed and made seven silver serving utensils for the 'Cutlery' exhibition at Goldsmiths' Hall, London.
Silver and Tea - A Perfect Blend (1998)
In 1998 Michael designed and made two silver tea sets for the 'Silver and Tea – A Perfect Blend' exhibition at Goldsmiths' Hall, London.