A leading Irish silversmith has won the overall award for Excellence in Metals at the prestigious annual craft show of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
It is the first time in the 28- year history of the event that a guest artist has won an overall award. Mr Séamus Gill was one of a group of 23 Irish craftworkers invited to participate as part of the museum's guest programme.
Some 2,000 craft workers from all over the US apply annually to exhibit at the show from which 200 are selected by a jury in various categories.
"It is a huge deal in the US to win," Mr Gill said yesterday. "A lot of collectors attend and straight away want to know who has been given the seal of approval."
Mr Gill submitted 20 pieces to the show including bud vases, candlesticks, water pitchers and fun pieces such as a watering can.
Mr Gill trained in Kilkenny, Belfast and the NCAD before setting up in business 15 years ago.
Earlier this year his work was exhibited in the Museum of Art and Design in New York as well as in the National Craft Gallery in Kilkenny where some of his pieces were acquired by the National Museum.
