Dregish is a bog in County Antrim, one of many across the island of Ireland. Although once places which were common across the whole island, these sites have over time been destroyed through human activity. Throughout history the turf which makes up bogs has been cut to use as a fuel source; something so necessary in the development of society on the island. These are important places for a vast array of reasons apart from providing fuel; one of which is their preservation properties.

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Bogs have preserved aspects of life from our distant past which have allowed us to have a glimpse into this past – bodies have been unearthed, from as far back as 4,000 years ago. The sleán is the tool which has been developed and used historically in Ireland to cut this turf. These tools are so symbolic with our connection to these places; they have a connection to our very existence. They have allowed us to unearth fuel from the bogs to heat our ancestors’ homes and cook their meals.

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These pieces are a celebration of this tool, beginning life being cut with one: a captured moment the sleán in use. An installation of 6 Slip cast porcelain vessels.

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