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Exciting exhibition of furniture by ATU students opens to the public and winners of furniture design awards announced
An exciting new exhibition of furniture pieces designed, created and made by final year students in the ATU School of Design and Creative Arts in the Connemara campus was formally opened by the President of ATU, Dr Orla Flynn, together with invited guests, students, their families and staff.
An exciting new exhibition of furniture pieces designed, created and made by final year students in the ATU School of Design and Creative Arts in the Connemara campus was formally opened on Tuesday 17 June 2025 by the President of ATU, Dr Orla Flynn, together with invited guests, students, their families and staff.
Titled “Icons 2025 Furniture and Design Exhibition”, it features 70 individual pieces by students from the B.Sc. (Hons) in Furniture Design, Making and Technology (Common Entry); B.Sc. (Hons) in Furniture Design and Manufacture; B.Sc. (Hons) in Furniture Making and Architectural Woodworking; B.Sc. (Hons) in Education (Design, Graphics and Construction); Apprenticeship in Wood Manufacturing and Finishing.
The works on show include tables, chairs, clocks, lamps, outdoor seating, cabinets, stools, boxes, marquetry and other bespoke pieces.
The exhibition will be open daily to the public from 17 June from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the summer. The name of the location, for visitors is School of Design & Creative Arts, ATU Connemara, H91 AH5K.
The winners of a number of design awards were announced at the event.
The prestigious Robin and Lucienne Day Foundation Furniture Prize 2025 with a £500 bursary was won by student Lucy O’Sullivan, Cahersiveen, Co Kerry, for her Rocking Chair (Irish grown Oregon maple). Lucy is studying the B. Sc. (Hons) in Furniture Design and Manufacture.
The Ellis Award for Excellence in Making 2025 was won by student Aidan O’Brien from Kildare town, Co Kildare for his Cabinet (Oak, Connemara marble). Aidan is a final year student studying the B.Sc. (Hons) in Furniture Making and Architectural Woodworking.
The Conor Farrell Award for Excellence in Design 2025 with €500 prize, was won by student Liam O’Flaherty from Kilmoyley, Co Kerry for his Cabinet (Oak, Connemara marble). Liam is a final year student studying the B.Sc. (Hons) in Furniture Design and Manufacture.
Head of Department Paul Leamy says: “These awards not only recognises the creativity and skill of our students but also connects them to the enduring legacy of two of the most influential designers of the 20th century. We’re deeply grateful for the continued support and encouragement of emerging talent in furniture design.”
For further information about programmes in ATU’s School of Design and Creative Arts at ATU Connemara see: https://www.atu.ie/campus/connemara
