The KDW positioned Kilkenny as the design capital of Ireland through a government-funded research and development centre of excellence for design (and design advocacy, research and promotion). It was created to inspire, support and demonstrate how design could be a key factor in change and lead to economic success. The early workshops from the KDW were ceramics, candle making, precious metals and metalwork, woodturning and textiles. Graphic design was added in 1969 and 3D work included furniture design. From a graphic design perspective, the KDW was responsible for producing some of Ireland’s most iconic brand identities such as P&T, National Dairy Council, COSPOIR and the European Patent Organisation. What a wonderful time in the history of Irish design.
