Laois businesses recognised by Design & Crafts Council
Alan Meredith and Michael Bell have been recognised by Design & Crafts Council
Two Laois furniture making businesses have been recognised by the Design & Crafts Council Ireland by being selected among 48 designer makers included for PORTFOLIO 2026/2027.
Alan Meredith, with a studio outside Mountmellick, and Michael Bell of Zelouf & Bell, based in Vicarstown, have been chosen for the programme which is widely recognised as a significant mark of achievement within Ireland’s craft sector.
It recognises designer makers who create work that appeals to the high-end gallery market and demonstrate excellence in design, craftsmanship, innovation and technical skill at a world-class level.
Alan Meredith’s work to date straddles the boundaries of contemporary craft, sculpture and architecture and has been exhibited both nationally and internationally.
Studio furniture makers Zelouf & Bell and their team of master craftsmen have been making one-off and limited edition museum-quality furniture to commission in their workshop since 1992. Their award-winning work is in private collections, public offices, embassy residences, churches and museums, at home and abroad.
The PORTFOLIO selection for 2026/2027 was made by an esteemed jury panel: Dr. Edith Andrees, a cultural historian and Curator of Applied Arts and Design at the National Museum of Ireland; Samantha Rhodes, recently appointed Director of the Ruthin Craft Centre (RCC), one of the United Kingdom’s leading centres for applied arts; Jean Blanchaert (with Irena Eschenazi), a leading European gallerist, curator and art critic who has curated dozens of exhibitions in major institutional venues, including the Fondazione Giorgio Cini in Venice, where he curated Best of Europe and Next of Europe at Homo Faber for the Michelangelo Foundation; and Nicole Segundo, a Swiss-based specialist in high-end watchmaking and fine craftsmanship, with over 25 years of international experience.
The panel undertook a robust and thorough two-stage evaluation process which first involved shortlisting entries and was followed by an onsite final selection from pieces that were delivered to Gowran Park in Co. Kilkenny.
Commenting on the selection, the jury panel stated: “The diverse ensemble of work showcases a sophisticated and confident creative voice of contemporary Irish craft, supported by technical excellence. There is clear evidence of a deep understanding of materiality. This is paired with a clear commitment to innovation, whilst maintaining a strong connection to Irish craft heritage.”
Commenting on the announcement, Mary Blanchfield, CEO at Design & Crafts Council Ireland, said: “PORTFOLIO is an important programme in recognising and celebrating the exceptional standard of contemporary craft and design talent in Ireland. Inclusion in PORTFOLIO is a significant achievement for designer makers and reflects the quality, innovation and technical excellence demonstrated in their work. Through the programme, we aim to support makers in building greater visibility and opening pathways to national and international opportunities. A huge congratulations to all those selected for PORTFOLIO 2026/2027."
Selection for PORTFOLIO provides a range of opportunities and supports for participating designer makers, including:
Inclusion in the PORTFOLIO publication, scheduled for release in late 2026, which serves as a key promotional resource circulated nationally and internationally, including to museums and relevant cultural institutions.
Participation in a curated biannual exhibition at the National Design & Craft Gallery in Castle Yard, Kilkenny, planned for 2027.
Opportunities for consideration for future international exhibitions and showcases.