• The complete series of 37 award winning documentaries on traditional Irish crafts and lifestyles, where the emphasis is on the skills of human hands rather than on the machines

• 14 Region free DVDs

• Over 20 hours long. All films are 30 min. long unless indicated.

• Packaged in a sturdy spiral bound keep case with included booklet.

• Made in Ireland

About the filmmakers

Within sight and sound of the wild Atlantic Ocean, a spinning wheel turns rhythmically in time to the high lonely cry of the sandpiper, echoing the history of a craft which may go back 3000 years into Ireland's past. David and Sally Shaw-Smith documented more than forty different traditional Irish crafts, from the weaving of crioses (colourful woollen belts) and the making of pampooties (moccasin-type shoes) on the Aran Islands, to the creation of items as varied as harps and candles, curraghs, drystone walls and Irish lace.

Imbued by a sense of urgency to record crafts in their natural surroundings before they disappeared completely, David and his wife Sally, under contract to RTE, travelled the length and breadth of Ireland and it's islands to assemble this important collection of 37 films on traditional Irish crafts and lifestyles, where the emphasis is on the skills of human hands rather than on machines.

The films not only record the various craft processes in great detail, but also create a unique archive of life in Ireland at the end of the 20th century. David's skilled camera work and direction, accompanied by Sally's creativity, and with help from an array of talented editors, technicians and sensitive narrators, combined to produce this outstanding series of documentaries.

The filmmaker, David Shaw-Smith, grew up in Dublin, Ireland. From an early age, he was inspired by traditional practices and the natural world. He learnt his craft, initially working in television, joining the recently formed RTE Irish state broadcasting organi­sation in the early 1960's. After this, he went on to work for the renowned wildlife film­maker Gerrit Van Gelderen, from whom he leamt his camera craft. With this experience under his belt and a clear vision, he went out independently to make numerous films, many of which are included in this series.

Disc 3

ENGLISH SILK (1985) This award-winning* documentary tells the story of silk production at Lullingston Silk Farm in Dorset, England, makers of the silk for the unforgettable wedding dress of Princess Diana. We see how silkworms are farmed and harvested, and their silk is reeled, spun and woven. At David Evans in Kent, England, the last British company still printing silk by hand, we see the dyeing and hand block printing of the silk, including the carving of the blocks. The film concludes with the screenprinting of silk for the famous Libertys store in London. Commentary- Alec Taylor. Music- Roger Doyle. (*Silver Harp, Ireland's Golden Harp festival) Running time - 1 hour

Disc 4

CAVAN COOPER (1981) This film documents the once widespread craft of coopering, a craft which has been in steady decline with the advent of changing demands and materials. A highly skilled craftsman, Ned Gavin has been working as a cooper in Ballinagh, Co. Cavan since the age of fourteen, when he was apprenticed to the local cooper. He made his first churn when he was just seventeen. We see him making a one-cow dash churn, Noggins for drinking out of, Piggins for holding milk, and stave-built churns and barrels, while being watched by his grandsons. Commentary- Ray Me Anally. Music- Jolyon Jackson. Running time - 26 minutes

CAVAN CABINETMAKERS (1980) The Robinson brothers, Tom-Joe, Charles and Michael from Milltown, Co. Cavan demonstrate superb craftsmanship in making a set of dining room furniture in the 18th century Regency style. Using a lathe, Michael turns the backs of the chairs from a single piece of wood. Charles designs and cuts the exquisite inlay work using a marquetry swing saw operated by a foot treadle that he built from a design in a Victorian book. The final touch is the polishing of the furniture using wax supplied by the brothers' bees. Commentary- Benedict Kiely. Music- Jolyon Jackson, Paddy Glacken & Matt Molloy. Running time - 26 minutes

THE LEITRIM CHAIR (1980) John Surlis's skill as a chairmaker was inherited from his grandfather, a native of Co. Leitrim. Based in the little village of Monasteraden, Co. Sligo, we watch John making a traditional ash wood Leitrim Chair in the slab and stick method. He uses the 'beetle' or cleaver to split the rungs and legs, and shapes them using a drawknife sitting astride his Cooper's Mare. As a versatile craftsman, John also makes traditional donkey straddles & Sugans (twisted straw ropes).
Commentary- Benedict Kiely. Music- Jolyon Jackson, Paddy Glacken & Matt Molloy. Running time - 26 minutes

Disc 5

HURL MAKING (1983) The ancient ball and stick game of Hurling has been played in Ireland for centuries. The water-powered sawmill on the river Nore, near Kilkenny is used for cutting the planks of ash wood. John Surlis, master craftsman, still does the job entirely by hand. Famed hurl-maker, Raymie Bowling, skillfully cuts out the hurl using a band saw, and hand finishes it. His craftsmanship makes it to the All Ireland hurling final at Croke Park in Dublin. Liam Dargan makes the traditional sliothar or leather ball. Commentary- Diarmuid O Muirithe. Music- Vincent Kilduff. Running time - 26 minutes

HARP MAKING (1989) The Forgotten Sound. The sweet resonance of the Irish wire-strung, low-headed Harp - Ireland's national symbol, had not been heard for centuries. This film tells the story of Peter Kilroy from Kenmare, Co. Kerry, who chose to construct one based on the Brian Boru harp in Trinity College, Dublin. We watch him making the body from willow, and the back sounding board from 20,000 year old Bog Pine. The harmonic curve is carved, the pieces assembled, the brass tuning pegs adjusted and the instruments strung. We hear again that ancient, magical sound. Commentary- Micheal O Suilleabhain. Music played on the 29 string low-headed harp by Paul Dooley & Carry Kilroy. Running time - 26 minutes

LIGHTHOUSE CRAFTS (1989) This unique program captures the closing years of the Irish lighthouse keeper's way of life, before Ireland's lighthouses became fully automatic. From the remote and stunning landscapes of the Fastnet Rock, Slyne Head, Ballycotton, Wicklow Head, & the Copeland Islands, we see the traditional making of a ship in a bottle, and the work of painters and poets and chefs. The documentary's mouth organ music was recorded by the Larne lighthouse keeper. Commentary- Dick Warner. Music- John Murphy (mouth organ). Running time - 26 minutes

Disc 6

CARLEY'S BRIDGE POTTERY (1980) This film features the workings of Ireland's oldest pottery, in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, founded by two brothers called 'Kerley' in 1659. They have been making coarse ware for well over 300 years. The process starts with the digging and curing of clay, a blue marl. We see Paddy Murphy, whose family has worked there for generations, hand-throwing flowerpots, and large decorative earthenware vessels with his strong, skillful hands. The dry pots are stacked in coal-fired beehive kilns for the dramatic firing process. From start to finish the whole process takes a week. The once dull brown clay is transformed into beauruful terracotta pots. Commentary- Ray Me Anally. Music- Jolyon Jackson, Paddy Glacken & Matt Molloy. Running time - 26 minutes

Disc 7

CURRACHS (1978) Man's first arrival in Ireland during the Mesolithic period was most likely in these supremely seaworthy, keel-less skin boats. This documentary covers their regional variations. In Co. Kerry we see the construction and use of the racing currach. On the Aran Islands, Co. Galway, the currach is still used for fishing and to ferry supplies to the Island. Northwest Co. Donegal is the last area where the small Donegal paddled currach is used for setting fixed trammel nets and lobsterpots. The film includes rare film from the 1930's of the construction of the River Boyne Corracle. Commentary- Seamus O Cathain. Music- Terry Odium. Running time - 26 minutes

Disc 8

DUBLIN'S WORKHORSES (1983) In this film of Dublin street life we see the last of the dray-men and wagoners going about their business delivering coal, and working the fruit and vegetable markets. We meet the shopkeeper who sells oats for the horses, the farrier who shoes them, the traditional collar and harness maker, and the milk rounds-man and his horse. It includes archival photographs of Johnson Mooney and O'Brien bread-vans, and The Court Laundry's wagons. Commentary- Eamonn Mac Thomais. Music- Terry Odium. Running time - 26 minutes

CARRIAGE BUILDING (1978) One of the last surviving carriage works in Ireland is Breen's in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford who make traps, gigs and landaus in the traditional manner. The documentary covers five trades: the wood-turner and bodybuilder, the wheelwright, the blacksmith who makes the metal undercarriages and bands the wheels, the painter, Colm Breen, who skillfully lines the wheels and applies further decoration, and the upholsterer who completes the interiors. All these skills are featured in the film, ending with a carriage driving event at Powerscourt Demense in Co. Wicklow. Commentary- Seamus O Cathain. Music- Terry Odium. Running time - 26 minutes

THE SADDLER (1981) Beside the beautiful rolling hills of the Curragh, Co. Kildare is the long-established family firm of Berney Brothers, led by 82 year-old Tom Berney. For 120 years they have been making saddles, bridles for racing, hunting, show jumping, dressage, and eventing. The film follows the traditional skills involved in making these items from good strong leather for quality and longevity. Berney Brothers are still making saddles and related products to this day, trading through the website below. www. berneybrossaddles. com. 1 Commentary- Brian Me Sharry. Music- Jolyon Jackson. Running time - 26 minutes

Disc 9

A DUBLIN BOOKBINDER (1981) Presented by the distinguished writer and historian Dr. Maurice Craig, and filmed in the bindery of John F. Newman, Dublin, it demonstrates the ancient craft of bookbinding in considerable detail: designing the covers, sewing the gathers, tooling, burnishing and gilding. Shows detailed repair and restoration work. It includes film sequences in the historic Marsh s Library, Dublin, and early hand-tooled books from their collection. Commentary- Dr. Maurice Craig. Music- Jolyon Jackson. Running time - 26 minutes

A DUBLIN SILVERSMITH (1980) Royal Charter Silver, a Dublin family business, crafts fine Irish silver based on the 18th. Century Irish Georgian period. The documentary shows master silversmith John Carroll, his son Sean and others making a silver teakettle. It covers it's intricate design and construction, including the lost wax process, engraving the surface of the kettle before assembly, and final polish, demonstrating the skills and craftsmanship needed to produce fine Silverware. Commentary- Eamonn Mac Thomdis. Music- Jolyon Jackson, Paddy Glacken & Matt Molloy. Running time - 26 minutes

A DUBLIN CANDLEMAKER (1982) William Rathborne and Co., Wax-chandlers, is the oldest company in Ireland, established in 1488. They follow an ancient tradition of making beeswax, wick-dipped church candles. They produce household and other candles from parafm wax using vertical frame moulds. Rathbornes also hand pour candles for special occasions, some so large, they take three men to carry them! The firm is still in business today, trading through the website- www.lalor.ie. Commentary- Eamonn Mac Thomdis. Music- Jolyon Jackson, Paddy Glacken & Matt Molloy. Running time - 26 minutes

Disc 10

BASKETMAKING (1978) Tells the story of the Shanahan brothers of Carrick-on-Suir, County Waterford. They are the last of the old-style commercial basketmakers. It shows the cutting of the willows from the 'Sally Gardens' by the river Suir, the preparation of the willows, and the making of traditional baskets including an eel trap, a yeast basket, and a Herring cran. Adapting to changing times the brothers also weave baskets for hot air balloons. Commentary- Andy O'Mahony. Music- Micheal O Suilleabhain. Running time - 26 minutes

WEXFORD THATCHER (1981) The Rochford family have been growing oats in Cleariestown, Co. Wexford for generations, and providing excellent straw for thatching. We see them using their restored 19th century Marshall steam engine to drive the threshing machine. Tommy McGrath cuts sally willows to make scallops for roofing staples. And the thatcher, Paddy Casey, gets to work using his home made beating pin to drive home the straw fletchs. Commentary- Diarmuid O Muirithe. Music- Jolyon Jackson. Running time - 26 minutes

RUSHWORK (1989) The craft of woven rush-work was revived in Ireland in the 1930's, and today is a thriving industry. This documentary covers the harvesting of rushes on Lough Ree, and the storing and curing of the sheaves. Mrs. Frances Brennan prepares the rushes and makes a traditional rush basket over a wooden mould that demonstrates the various weaves. Also included is a collection of current and historic rush-work which highlights the skills of the weavers as they continue this traditional craft. Commentary- Seamus O Cathain. Music- Terry Odium. Running time - 26 minutes

Disc 11

STONE (1981) There is a long tradition of working with stone in Ireland. This film documents the lifestyle and work of quarrymen and stonecutters at Ticknock, Co. Dublin, and Ballyknockan, Co. Wicklow. Skilled masons and carvers cut the famous Irish granite for the statues and fa9ade of the Bank of Ireland, College Green in the heart of Dublin City. It includes the laying of cobblestones in Trinity College, Dublin, and the carving of a decorative Georgian-style mantelpiece. This film captures some of the last quarrymen working the granite quarries which have sadly gone into decline.
Commentary- Eamonn Mac Thomdis. Music- Terry Odium. Running time - 26 minutes ••*

STONEGROUND (1978) Martry Mill, owned by the Tallon family, was established near Kells Co. Meath in 1659 on the River Blackwater. This atmospheric film shows the age old process of milling grain into flour, using the power of water and traditional stone-ground milling techniques. James Tallon and his uncle Michael, produce the finest traditionally ground products. The film documents the work of traditional millers aware of their heritage, now lost to more efficient methods. Commentary- Andy O 'Mahony. Music- Micheal O Suilleabhdin. Running time - 26 minutes

WOOLLEN MILL (1981) Kilmanham Mill is a 150 year old, water-powered woollen mill on the River Camac in Dublin. Here we see textile designer Noirin Pye and her brother John O'Louglin Kennedy, owners of The Weaver's Shed, preparing wool, dying the fleece, spinning it into yarn, and weaving it on hand looms into fine tweeds. The finished fabric is then washed and finished. The mill boasts some extraordinary archaic machinery; it still has a 'Mule' for spinning the yarn invented by Crompton in 1779. Commentary- Ray Me Anally. Music- Jolyon Jackson. Running time - 26 minutes

Disc 12

SHANNON ONE DESIGN (1988) At Mount Plunket near Lough Ree, Co. Roscommon, surrounded by beautiful countryside, Jimmy Furey, a former eel fisherman, builds a sailing boat based on a traditional 18ft River Shannon angling boat. He lives in a rural idyll, with his dogs and collection of old Volkswagen cars. The
documentary covers the process of constructing the boat, including the selection of timber, steam bending, and laying the strakes, and concludes with its launch and sailing
in the annual Lough Ree regatta. Commentary- Ben Kiely. Music- Maurice Roycroft. Running time - 26 minutes

IRISH SPINNINGWHEEL MAKING (1991) James Shiel and his son Charlie, from Carndonagh, Co. Donegal, are 2nd and 3rd generation spinning wheel makers. They are the last individuals to commercially make the Dutch or low spinning wheel in Ireland, first introduced from Holland in the 1630's for spinning flax, and later used for wool spinning. The film shows the making of this traditional spinning wheel, the types of timber used, and the woodturning techniques employed. Most of the parts of the spinning wheel are turned on the lathe. The documentary visits Mrs. Mary Towe, one of the last traditional hand-spinners who has spun wool for her family's needs all her life. Her treadle-wheel has been handed down from mother to daughter through five generations and is believed to be at least 270 years old; possibly one of the original flax-wheels made by Irish craftsmen and distributed by the Linen Manufacturers of Ulster in the 18th Century. Commentary- Ben Kiely. Music- John Murphy. Running time - 26 minutes

Disc 13

CLAY PIPE WORKS (1983) This fascinating documentary set in Lossets, Carrickmacross, Co. Monahan captures the craftsmanship of the Irish Fireclays and Stoneware Company, makers of industrial clay drainage pipes. Made from quarried and milled shale, the film follows the craftsmen through the entire production process. We also meet the Kiln-men who supervise the firing of the largest beehive kiln in the British Isles at Kingscourt, Co. Cavan. Commentary- Diarmuid O Muirithe. Music- Jolyon Jackson. Running time - 26 minutes

Disc 14

POWERS OF THE METAL* (1989) An entertaining and unusual film, it tells the story of the Power family, metal casters from New Ross, Co. Wexford. We follow the process of sand casting a replica of a nineteenth-century, Garden Seat. We also see the weekly cycle of hand-digging marl clay to line the foundry's furnace, the buying in and breaking up of scrap metal for smelting, followed by the high-risk business of pouring the molten metal, over-seen by Mrs. May Power. The documentary is accompanied by music played by the local youth band. *Certificate of Merit from the Industrial Film Festival in the USA. Commentary- Diarmuid O Muirithe. Music- New Ross Silver Band, Conductor Michael Fottrell. Running time - 26 minutes

OF BEES & BEE SKEPS (1983) Winner of the *Golden Harp for Ireland, and held in the Museum of Modern Art collection, New York, this arresting and moving documentary records Jack Carey of Clonakilty, Co. Cork making a traditional bee skep from wheaten straw and blackberry briars. Helped by neighbours, he catches the swarming bees in the skep before gradually introducing them into their new hive. It shows the traditional work of beekeeping, including the harvesting of the honey combs and extracting the golden honey. Commentary- Diarmuid O Muirithe. Music- Vincent Killduff. *Indicates special film award. Running time - 26 minutes

FERMANAGH COUNTRY (1980) This historic and unique documentary captures a rural lifestyle no longer found in Ireland. It tells the story of the Mulholland family from Co. Fermanagh, and records their traditional lifestyle and methods of farming, quarrying, and making circular grinding wheels and whetstones for sharpening scythes. It gives a glimpse into the lives of these hardworking Fermanagh men and women who carry on their rural practices peacefully and resourcefully without modern aids. Commentary- Benedict Kiely. Music- Micheal O Suilleabhdin. Running time - 26 minutes