Portfolio: Critical Selection 2015–2016

Portfolio – Critical Selection is a biennial publication of the leading Irish contemporary craft and craftmakers who practice in a world-class context. This book is published and distributed by the DCCoI in order to increase awareness and understanding of top Irish makers and their work, particularly among Irish and international collectors, galleries, commissioning bodies and museums. Due to both the audience and positioning of the 22 makers involved the publication design demanded expertise in the "design and craft of book design" and that the book itself as an artefact was an appropriate complement and showcase for the stunning portfolio of makers and work featured.

With such visually rich and appealing sources the publication presented us as designers an opportunity to conceive and create a beautiful "container" that focuses on, and accentuates the, meticulous craft, design and material qualities of the artefacts.

This was achieved across both volumes by using artisanal binding techniques (Swiss bound and for the limited edition with linen lining) and through using advanced pre-press and on-press techniques to watermark selected pages with the portfolio motif using metallic seals and transparent inks.