Annadale Brickworks is a Belfast ceramics studio established by Clive Fiddis. The name derives from an old brickworks near to Clive's studio in the centre of Belfast. Having loved, made and taught ceramics in Ireland and Finland for 30 years, Clive is a master in his chosen craft. Simplicity of function and a passion for skillful making and craftsmanship are essential elements in all the work. Clive was kind enough to let us ask him a few questions about his making process.

 

Tell us a bit about what you make.

I make thrown functional pots. I'm very focused on the skillful making and material and firing process, simple form and function.

Could you describe your studio to us? What is your favourite thing about the space?
The studio is only a few years old, its very much an urban space in Belfast, it has two floors, a kiln room and is a very open plan flexible space with lovely light. I love its urban feel and the light quality.

How do you get into the mindset of making?
I tend to make in batches and like the rhythm of making, glazing and firing. There's always things to do in a studio, glaze and colour tests, tools, new work ideas.

What is your favourite tool and why? 
I make my own tools if I can, my favourite is the knife I made out of a second hand buy.

 
Can you describe your making process to us? 
I throw nearly all of the pots on the wheel, usually in batches, using a simple stoneware clay. Pots are dried slowly, bases turned, handles attached and finished before firing. The pots are fired twice, glaze fired in a gas kiln at stoneware temperatures.
What is your inspiration?
Cultures of Japan and the near and far East are just amazing!
What led you to choose this craft as a profession? What do you love most about it?
I've been making and teaching ceramics for a long time, its allowed me to travel and work, so its more a way of life for me, always learning mostly by mistakes.   

How do your surroundings affect your work?
I'm an urban potter. The studio is very private and quiet which is very conducive to work, but the hustle and bustle of the city is close by. 

What is your favourite piece?
I have pieces that I collected travelling in Japan, Egypt, Iran, Finland and Spain. I love using them in the kitchen, beautiful and functional.
 

We stock a range of beautiful mugs, bowls and dishes by Annadale Brickworks. Clive's beautiful tableware is suitable for the dishwasher, microwave freezer and oven. 

We're very lucky to have our home in the hustle and bustle of the city center, and we're so proud to be surrounded by so many local businesses to call our neighbours. It's been a learning curve for all of us adapting to COVID restrictions, so we've been delighted to see the pedestrianisation trials over the last few weeks of South William Street, Dame Court, South Anne Street, Duke Street, as well as our very own home on Drury Street. Deliveries for stores are going ahead at designated times as well as car parks remaining open, so it's still accessible for those who want to bundle up into the car for a little day trip out.

Now over halfway through the trial, we've loved coming in at the weekend to see people out and about rediscovering their city. More room for outdoor seating for our pals in Industry means more families out for their weekend coffee and cake. A traffic-free street makes space for socially distanced benches for more folks to enjoy some weekend wine and cheese over with the good people at Loose Cannon. We've definitely noticed a rise in footfall on the street and our shop, and so far we love the impact it's having for Irish businesses and local enterprise. If you're been enjoying the trial, swing by and let us know what you think, or drop us an email at hello@irishdesignshop.com.

Ireland is a great country for spuds! And you just can't beat new potatoes. Of course, potatoes are available all year round, but they're particularly great in summer. 

Back in March one of our staff members, Hannah, planted potatoes. Mostly out of lockdown boredom admittedly, but also as a little something to look forward to, to be harvested at a happier time once the worst of the restrictions were eased off. Now we're back open and adapting to a new way of working, it's time to dig them up and enjoy! We thought it was the perfect time to share with you our July recipe from our Seasoning collection, featuring the humble spud, so you can cook along at home.

An illustrated journey through the seasons with twelve gorgeous brunch recipes, Seasonings is a collaboration between sisters, with recipes by chef Laura Caulwell, and illustrations by Sally Caulwell. All wrapped up in a keepsake box along with a handcrafted wooden stand by Coolree Design to prop up your recipe card in the kitchen. The emphasis on these delicious recipes is on seasonal eating and home-grown Irish produce.

Harissa Potato Hash and Fried Eggs

Serves 4, and takes roughly 60 minutes.
Add chorizo to the roasting tray for a meat feast, or a handful of baby spinach towards the end if you're feeling green!

You will need:
- 6 red chillies 
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 800g new potatoes
- 20 cherry tomatoes
- 2 red peppers
- 2 tsp. chipotle powder (or smoked paprika)
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp caraway seeds (fennel would be delicious either!)
- 2 tsp red wine vinegar
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- the zest and juice of a lemon
- salt and pepper
- a handful of parsley
- 4 tbsp natural yoghurt
- 4 free range eggs

Method
Preheat the oven to 200°C (or 390°F). Start by roasting your chillies and garlic for the harissa. Give them about twenty minutes until they've partially blackened. 

Meanwhile, cube the spuds into bitesize pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes and roughly dice the peppers. Throw the whole lot in the roasting tray and toss in 2 tbsp of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for about forty minutes. 

Back to the harissa... Toast the cumin and caraway seeds in a dry pan on a medium heat until fragrant, one or two minutes. Blitz in a spice grinder, or get to work with a pestle and mortar (we have a rather snazzy one as part of our Áras range, if we do say so ourselves). Then combine with the chillies, garlic, vinegar, chipotle powder, the rest of the oil, lemon zest, and half a teaspoon of salt. Blitz in a food processor or with a hand blender. This makes more than you need, but it will keep in the fridge for yonks (full disclosure: there's a one-year-old batch in my fridge).

As soon as the harissa is ready, pull out the roasting veg and toss them in about 2 tbsp of the harissa and a good squeeze of lemon juice. Continue roasting until nice and crispy. When they're done, pile onto places, drizzle with yoghurt, top with fried eggs and a sprinkle of chopped parsley, and enjoy!

If you fancy trying out a few more seasonal brunch recipes, you can check out Seasonings here, and the 2020 calendar featuring the prints here.

Our collection of sterling silver and 9ct gold rings are now available to purchase online. Before you decide on your Terrain ring, you’ll need to choose which size you require. Your ring should be tight enough that it will not come off your finger inadvertently, but not so tight as to be uncomfortable. We want your ring to be perfect whether your purchase is a gift for someone special, or for yourself! We hope this guide helps make your decision easier: 

We have included the most popular ring sizes for women as options when purchasing one of our rings. These sizes along with measurements for the inside diameter are as follows: 

Size: K Inside ring diameter: 15.9mm 

Size: L Inside ring diameter: 16.3mm

Size: M Inside ring diameter: 16.7mm

Size: N Inside ring diameter: 17.12

We would advise taking a measurement of the inside diameter of a ring you already have and matching it to one of the above sizes. If your ring is smaller or larger, please get in touch and we can make a ring to your size. 

Customers are always welcome in our Drury Street location, where we offer a complimentary consultation service which includes taking a ring size. Feel free to bring along a ring you already have so we can take a size from that either. If this is not possible, consider purchasing an adjustable ring sizer here. Alternatively, any good jewellers will offer complimentary ring sizing. 

We use UK/IRL sizing, there are several size conversion tables available online for US customers for example (We have sourced a reputable one below). If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We're only thrilled when our favourite four-legged customers visit, and keep dog treats in the shop for just such an occasion. Whether you're a dog parent or just want to visit somewhere you can meet a new canine pal, here are some of our favourite dog-friendly stops in Dublin.

The clue is in the name here, Two Pups on Francis Street serves up great brunch and even better coffee. We highly recommend the french toast to sit in, or one of their grab and go sandwiches to take with you for wander around the Liberties with your pup.

For locally roasted coffee and healthy lunch options, check out The Fumbally. Working with speciality coffee roasters, we love that The Fumbally serves a double shot as standard, and even makes their own sunflower non-dairy milk. We particularly like their sibling The Fumbally Stables next door too, a community space hosting workshops, classes, yoga, as well as a local food market every Saturday. 

A stone's throw away is Lucky's, a bar with a great focus on local artists and makers, with frequent markets and exhibitions. Plenty of local craft beer options here, not to mention wood-fired pizzas from the Coke Lane Pizza crew as well. We really like their Bring Your Own Art Show they've been running too!

If you fancy a day trip out with the dogs, a walk to Bull Island and a visit to Happy Out Cafe is never a bad shout. Originally a container coffee spot, this little cafe has expanded and serves great coffee, toasties and snacks. A tad windy this time of year, but one of the nicest spots to be down the beach for a morning walk with a hot chocolate.

With an entire themed menu, it does not get more dog-friendly than The Dog House. A cafe and tea room right next door to Howth train station, its the perfect stop to refuel after a hike along the cliff walk with your pooch.
Hidden away off Parnell Street, Blá's Cafe is part of the creative hub in the Chocolate Factory. There are some seriously good breakfast and brunch options here, with lots to offer for both veggies and meat-eaters alike. They serve everything from huevos rancheros and eggs benedict to a full selection of grilled flatbreads and sandwiches, plus great coffee to match.

Located just off Dublin’s largest public square in Smithfield, Urbanity is a small-batch roaster, speciality café, and all-day dining venue. The focus is the use of great quality, locally sourced ingredients, plus almost everything is created in-house by a talented team of chefs and baristas. Menus are always seasonal, specials change daily and there’s always something new to tempt you on the cake counter. Not to mention some homemade treats for really good pups.