Northern Ireland
Browse ArchiveArtist of the Month, March 2020 - John Piekaar
Monday 2nd March 2020 at 4pm
Image: Burr Myrtle Jewellery Box, Burr Myrtle with a Cedar lining and internal tray
John Piekaar is a Designer and Craftsman based in Ballynahinch, County Down. He specialises in fine bespoke furniture designs and makes unique one-off items of furniture and wooden accessories.
John completed a five-year furniture making apprenticeship and a BA (Hons) Degree in Furniture Design and Craftsmanship. He further developed his skills at the John Makepeace School of Furniture. John has also previously won 1st prize at the RDS National Crafts Competition.
The Burr Myrtle Jewellery box is part of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s collection. Myrtle was chosen because Jewellery boxes are often given and received as a token of love, and the ancient Greeks believed it to be a sacred herb of Aphrodite, whilst the Romans depicted Venus wearing a Myrtle leaf wreath. Cedar was used to line the inside of the box and for the internal tray as it gives a wonderful sweet aroma when the box is opened.
Further information about John’s work can be found at www.johnpiekaar.com