Friends of Magee

Ceramist Kevin Callaghan in his studio in Donegal town wearing Magee 1866 Connor knit & Houndstooth scarf.

FRIENDS OF MAGEE 1866

Next in our series of Friends of Magee 1866 we meet up with Kevin Callaghan a ceramicist whose pottery business is based in Donegal town. Kevin is a master’s graduate from the Royal College of Art who has lived and worked in Paris, London & China. He brings this expertise to his home studio where he creates contemporary slipware featuring beautiful gestural marks influenced by Asian abstract calligraphy.

What does friendship mean to you?

Since moving back to Ireland in 2022 friendship has become a very important part of my life back in Donegal. I have become more connected with my home county and have reignited past friendships. I'm no longer running around London and Paris meeting people, it's all here now, and I'm connecting with great people back in Ireland. Having a shop and studio in Donegal town, I get to chat with a lot of interesting people that love handmade objects as much as I do.

Thoughts on the piece you are wearing?

I have some lovely Magee 1866 pieces, one in particular is a 1990s sandy coloured blazer that was given to me by a friend. The green merino hoodie I am wearing is so comfortable and perfect for day to day use, it's a great slim fit. The scarf also matches everything and is perfect for winter and general Irish weather.

“The green merino hoodie I am wearing is so comfortable and perfect for day to day use.”

Where did you learn your craft?

I was introduced to clay on a foundation course in Derry 25 years ago. It’s funny, because I had failed honours Art at secondary school, yet that two-year foundation course in Derry sparked a deep interest in making and working with clay.

After that, I travelled in Asia for a year, and on my return I studied for a BA at the Crawford College of Art in Cork. During this time, I developed a strong interest in mastering wheel-thrown pottery and was accepted onto the two-year professional pottery and ceramics course in Thomastown, Kilkenny.

I then returned to Cork to complete my BA, alongside residencies at the National Sculpture Factory in Cork. In 2011, I began a Master’s degree at the Royal College of Art in London, which was an amazing experience.

With further residencies in Paris and China, the journey continues back in Donegal, where we make beautiful ceramic objects, including lamps, vases, Japanese tea bowls, and one-off ceramic pieces.

How are you warming up in January this year?

I’ve started January with a few 10km running competitions in Northern Ireland. I’ve become really involved in adventure racing and am building up to some major events later this year. We’ve also had a strong start in the studio. January is a good time to ease back into making; the quieter weeks are ideal for creative thinking, developing new products, and exploring new work. This rhythm continues into February and March, and it’s important to take this time to reflect and build fresh creative ideas for the year ahead.

Why does Donegal appeal as a craftsperson?

I think the north-west of Ireland has become a very inviting place to continue and re-establish a creative practice. Many Irish artists and creatives are moving to Donegal to escape the pressures of high rents and overheads. In particular, mid-career artists and craftspeople see Donegal as a place to settle, work, and enjoy the exceptional beauty the county has to offer. At this stage of my career, living in the Bluestack Mountains in a renovated sheep shed provides the perfect balance between countryside living and creative thinking.