Makers selected for contemporary craft exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland and Ulster Museum

New, contemporary craft works inspired by the collections of National Museums Scotland and National Museums NI will be displayed in a collaborative exhibition, opening at the National Museum of Scotland in summer 2027, then at the Ulster Museum in early 2028. 

A group of 16 people, some seated, some standing, inside a museum store. The storage racks are in the background.
Date published
09.12.2025
Read time
2

16 makers who are residents of Scotland or Northern Ireland are being supported to create works inspired by the museums’ collections and by current research into decorative and making heritage from the Mesolithic to the medieval period.   

Participants were selected following a call out for applicants earlier this year and are being invited to explore the legacy of making that connects Scotland and Northern Ireland via shared cultural heritage, traditions of manufacture and the transmission of decorative design. Their practices encompass everything from metalworking and textiles to bookbinding, stone carving and enamelling. 

Sarah Rothwell, Senior Curator of Modern & Contemporary Design at National Museums Scotland said: 

“The richness, originality and diversity of the practices of the makers selected to participate in this project reflect the variety and prestige of craft makers in both Scotland and Northern Ireland. We’re excited to see how they interpret both the collections and current research into the legacy of our shared making heritage. The project does not ask them to recreate or replicate, but to be inspired by ancient decoration, craft processes and concepts to create something new and unique.” 

Kim Mawhinney, Senior Curator of Art, National Museums NI said: 

“This unique partnership project not only is an exciting opportunity for the two museums to collaborate, but it has also allowed us to bring together craft makers and curators to share their knowledge and skills. We are indebted to the funding bodies for recognising the importance of the museums continuing to support contemporary makers and show the best of their artworks to our audiences.”   

A group of people inside a museum store, the storage racks are in the background. The curator is talking to the group about an object that looks like a big celtic trophy, she's wearing purple gloves handling it. There's also a tray of silver artefacts in view on the table in front of them.

This project is a collaboration between National Museums Scotland, National Museums NI, Design-Nation, Craft Northern Ireland and Craft Scotland.  It is generously funded by the William Grant Foundation, Flure Grossart and KennedyTing. 

The participating makers are:  

  • Jan Bowman, a textile maker based in Coldingham, Berwickshire, Scotland  
  • Stuart Cairn, a metal artist based in Holywood, County Down, Northern Ireland 
  • Cameron & Breen, a goldsmithing collaboration between Martin Cameron and Laura Breen based in Randalstown, County Antrim, Northern Ireland 
  • Iseabal Hendry, a basket-weaver and wood worker based in Strathcarron, Ross-shire, Scotland  
  • Choi Keeryong, a glass artist based in Edinburgh, Scotland  
  • Thomas Keyes, an illuminated manuscript and graffiti artist based in Cromarty, Black Isle, Scotland  
  • Toben Lewis, an artist bookbinder based on the Isle of Iona, Scotland 
  • Finn McCallum, a stone carver based in Kirk Yetholm, Scottish Borders, Scotland  
  • Naomi McIntosh, an artist working in wood based in the Cairngorms, Aberdeenshire, Scotland  
  • Patricia Millar, a ceramic maker based in Bushmills, County Antrim, Northern Ireland 
  • Cara Murphy, an enamellist and silversmith based in Hillsborough, County Down, Northern Ireland 
  • Frances Priest, a ceramic artist based in Edinburgh, Scotland  
  • Angus Ross, a furniture maker based in Aberfeldy, Perthshire, Scotland  
  • Andrea Spencer, a glass artist based in Balliintoy, County Antrim, Northern Ireland 
  • Karen Westland, a silversmith based in Glasgow, Scotland