IADA Bursary Past Recipients – Eoin Ryan
The deadline for the IADA 2010 Bursary is fast approaching. The bursary is a fantastic opportunity for anyone with an interest in studying restoration, conservation and repair techniques for the decorative arts and antiques. In the run up to the deadline we will be profiling some previous recipients of the bursary to see how they are doing. In 2001 the Bursary was awarded to Eoin Ryan who now runs Straffan Antiques Conservation and Restoration Workshop.
Having grown up immersed in a family run antiques business from an early age Eoin developed a love and passion for antiques and decorative art. After his leaving Certificate, Eoin attended the Furniture Design & Cabinet Making course at G.M.I.T. Letterfrack in Galway, where he was educated in the techniques of cabinet making and furniture design.
On successful completion of this two year course Eoin was awarded the IADA Bursary in 2001 which allowed him to continue his studies. He commenced an intensive course in Restoration and Conservation at West Dean College in England. The emphasis of this course was on conservation and restoration of antique furniture using appropriate techniques and methods.
Having gained experience working in the area of furniture restoration Eoin attended Buckinghamshire Chilterns University in 2005 where he completed his Masters in Restoration and Conservation. This provided an invaluable opportunity to learn practical skills and hone the hand skills he had previously acquired. It also offered him an opportunity to develop a deep understanding to the history of furniture.
Eoin’s final year thesis, entitled What Factors Affected Change in Irish Furniture Between 1800 & 1850, brought together all the elements that he had learned in his previous experiences and allowed him to focus on the historical elements that impacted on the development of Irish Furniture.
Eoin is now running Straffa
n Antiques Conservation & Restoration Workshop offering a complete conservation and restoration service that provides a sympathetic approach by qualified restorers. His team of restorers are qualified to Masters and Degree level in the art of Antique Conservation & Restoration. Their emphasis is on conservation, using appropriate finishes and traditional restoration techniques of the 18th & 19th Century to restore antique items to their appropriate condition.
