A BURSARY of €2,500 is on offer to “an Irish craftsperson of exceptional talent and commitment” to develop skills in the conservation and restoration of art. The recipient would restore objects in wood, stone, marble, parquetry, needlework and tapestry, porcelain, glass, paper or similar specialised skills.

The annual Ronald McDonnell Bursary is offered by the Irish Antique Dealers Association (IADA) and is intended to enable the recipient to undertake a course at home or abroad to further their skill, study or career. Previous recipients have included a gilder, a bookbinder, a textile restorer, a paper conservator and a furniture conservator.

The bursary was established in 1995 in memory of the late Ronald McDonnell, who had an antiques shop in Kildare Street and was the founder President of IADA. While the sum on offer may not be a life-changing amount, the bursary is a welcome and admirable gesture intended to preserve imperilled traditional skills.

The closing date for applications (by e-mail only to info@iada.ie) is September 30th. Niall Mullen of IADA said “applicants must be aged over 18 and have a genuine passion for restoration and conservation”. – MP