Proudest moment? The birth of my daughter, she had a  tough start to life

TELL us about yourself;

My name is Alan Horgan. I grew up in Cork and spent much of my time in Cork Harbour, enjoying sailing. After secondary school in Midleton, I went on to do Nautical Science in CIT, which led me to a career in the Merchant Navy. Woodworking has always played a huge part in my life, and after a number of career changes, I set up Alan Horgan Studio in 2012, where I design and make one-off and limited-edition lighting and furniture works.

Where were you born?

I was born and reared in Cork and now live in Ballynoe, East Cork.

Where do you live?

Ballynoe, East Cork.

Family?

I live with my wife, Dita. We have two kids, Chloe, aged six, and Julian, aged 11 months.

Best friend?

My wife, Dita. We’re alike in many ways. She’s my rock and fiercely supportive of my work. And I never miss an opportunity to wind her up.

Earliest childhood memory?

Messing about in boats with my three brothers, which nearly always ended in someone getting hurt or soaked.

Person you most admire?

I’ve been very fortunate to have a lot of great people in my life whom I could look up to and admire. Two of these would be my mum and uncle.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

Venice, a number of years ago. It’s such a magical place with stunning architecture, great seafood, and, of course, beautiful Murano glass.

Favourite TV programme?

I don’t really get to watch much TV, but I got hooked on the Pablo Escobar Narcos series on Netflix. It’s an excellent rendition of Escobar’s life and how corrupt some nations can become as a result of drugs.

Favourite radio show?

Matt Cooper on Today FM.

Your signature dish if cooking?

Squid stew, based on Clodagh McKenna’s recipe. The whole family loves it.

Favourite restaurant?

Man Friday in Kinsale.

Last book you read?

Crean - The Extraordinary Life Of An Irish Hero, by Tim Foley.

Best book you read?

Eileen Gray, by Jennifer Goff. It gives an in-depth account of one of the world’s most influential designers and her innovative techniques.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

Lee Scratch Perry - Skanking With The Up.

Favourite song?

Groove Armada – Superstylin’.

One person you would like to see in concert?

Dido.

Do you have a pet?

Milo, a two-year-old Newfoundland cross Bernese Mountain dog. He is a genuine member of our family.

Morning person or night owl?

I’m a night owl. I’m most productive in the evenings till late.

Your proudest moment?

The birth of our daughter, Chloe. She was extremely premature and had a tough start to her journey.

Spendthrift or saver?

It’s a bit of both.

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

More sports facilities for kids, such as tennis courts. And restoration of historical buildings nearby.

What makes you happy?

Having fun with the kids at the beach.

How would you like to be remembered?

Hard-working, an innovator, and a good friend.

What else are you up to at the moment?

I’m currently planning an exhibition this August in the Grainstore, Ballymaloe, with Irish Design Works. This exhibition will showcase some of Ireland’s most talented designers and makers and what they have to offer. It will take place from August 9 to 25 and is open to all.

MORE ON THE EXHIBITION

From August 9-25, 20 of Ireland’s best makers will descend on Ballymaloe Grainstore in Cork for Irish Design Works 2024, a free exhibition of contemporary craft and design including furniture, ceramics and sculpture aimed at showcasing the best of Irish artisan crafts.

Among those taking part this year is Cork’s Alan Horgan of Alan Horgan Studio.

This marks the first Irish Design Works exhibition since 2019, and the first time it is taking place in Cork.

The celebration of Irish design and craftsmanship includes free admission and will kick off on August 9 with an opening night of wine and canapés from 7-9pm.

Each of the pieces on display are uniquely designed and produced in Ireland, and the public will get a great insight to the diversity of Irish talent on offer.

Irish Design Works 2024 will allow an exclusive group of Irish makers from across the country to display their unique pieces, with a wide range of disciplines on show including furniture and lighting, ceramics, artisan rugs and knives, and sculptural works in wood, glass and willow.

The exhibition will open daily from 11am to 5pm and several of the makers will be on-hand throughout the weekend dates to chat to the public about their innovative work or to discuss a custom project.

This year, the makers are from Cork, Carlow, Clare, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Laois, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Tipperary, Wicklow, and Wexford.

Commenting on the exhibition, Alan Horgan said: “We are delighted to be joining Irish Design Works and showcasing our work among some of the finest artisan designers and makers Ireland has to offer.

“We are passionate about design and craftsmanship, and we look forward to exhibiting our nature-inspired, unique light designs to the Irish audience this August in our home county of Cork and the lovely setting of Ballymaloe.”

Speaking about the upcoming exhibition, Tricia Harris of Studio Harris commented: “This is our first year bringing the Irish Design Works exhibition to Cork, so we are very excited about that, and to be in the beautiful setting of Ballymaloe makes it even more special.

“This is a self-funded group show brought together by a small selection of Irish-based makers, providing an opportunity to buy unique pieces directly from the creators.

“The mixed-discipline aspect of the show means visitors will get to enjoy a range of high quality, design-focused works and to see a snapshot of the diversity of creative talent and skill that exists in Ireland at the moment.”

Irish Design Works 2024 provides a platform for small Irish craftspeople to advertise their offerings, as one of the founding organisers of the Irish Design Works series of exhibitions.

Irish Design Works 2024 will take place from August 9-25 in Ballymaloe Grainstore, opening daily from 11am-5pm.