Profile
Silverware to me has to be aesthetically pleasing, with a sculptural visual strength. My designs are founded on a balance of line, form and proportion which harmonize with the detail in the tactile finished pieces.
Teaching
I lectured in silversmithing and jewellery at the Ulster Polytechnic/University of Ulster since 1967, where I was Head of the School of Fine and Applied Arts from 1990 until being granted early retirement from the University in 1996.
Professional Activities
Throughout my career I have been involved in numerous professional activities promoting crafts throughout the island of Ireland. This included: serving on the management board of the Crafts Council of Ireland for 14 years; establishing and reviewing training courses; and jurying for international craft trade fairs and exhibitions.
Commissions and Exhibitions
I was commissioned to design and create a ceremonial mace and two staves for the University of Ulster, in 1991 and 1996 respectively.
In 1997 I was commissioned with my wife Deirdre McCrory to create the Presidential Heraldic Shield of Mary Robinson (Seventh President of Ireland) for Dublin Castle.
In 1998 I created two silver tea sets for an exhibition at Goldsmiths' Hall in London - in 2000 Lisburn Museum purchased one of these for their collection.
In 1998 Professor Benton Rabinovitch, Professor Emeritus at the University of Washington, Seattle, commissioned me to design and make a silver cake slice/lifter, having seen my work in the catalogue from the first exhibition at Goldsmiths' Hall.
In 1999 I designed and made seven silver serving utensils for an exhibition held at Goldsmiths' Hall.
From 1999 my work was on display at DESIGNyard, Dublin until its closure in 2003.
Other Projects
Other projects which I have completed include a patent for a break free fishing lure; designing and making the prototype for a device to stop cross infection of contaminated injection needles. The latter design was awarded the British Design Council Award.