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Draw takes place 1pm, Wednesday 18th December, 2024
Created by Rudolf Heltzel for Butler Gallery
Support Butler Gallery this festive season and stand a chance to win a magnificent bespoke pendant, generously donated by Rudolf Heltzel.
This one-of-a-kind piece, valued at €1,400, is a testament to fine craftsmanship. It is inspired by Rudolf Heltzel's original 1974 design, meticulously crafted by Christoper Heltzel and features a 925 sterling silver handmade chain, set with an exquisite Connemara marble stone at its core.
By purchasing a ticket for just €10, you're not only entering the draw for this stunning piece of jewellery, but also contributing to a great cause. Butler Gallery relies on private fundraising for 40% of our annual budget to maintain our historic building and continue our free access to art programmes benefiting thousands of people every year.
Take this opportunity to own a piece of design history whilst supporting Butler Gallery. The draw will be held live on Butler Gallery's Facebook page on Wednesday 18th December at 1pm. Remember, every ticket purchased helps fund our 2025 Exhibition & Learning Programmes and our iconic building.
Secure your ticket online, call us at 056 7761106, or visit our Gallery Reception.
Watch archival RTE video of Rudulf Heltzel creating the original pendant in 1974 here.
The Making Process
In the dimly lit workshop of 10 Patrick Street, nostalgia fills the air. A gentle hum of creativity intertwines with the scent of precious metals. Lining the walls and shelves of the workshop are hand-forged hammers of all shapes and sizes, tools worn from decades of use by generations of skilled bench workers, pliers that have shaped countless masterpieces, saw frames holding blades so thin they disappear in the shadows of the light. A draw bench stands to the side, patiently awaiting its next piece of gold to draw down, an ancient bench torch flickers gently, ready for the next solder. They all hold stories of the countless artisans that have worked with them, whispering secrets of beauty created in times gone by.
As the ancient bench torch is held up, its warm, amber glow casts a mesmerising dance of shadows onto the workshop wall. With the sonorous tap of the hammer, and the rhythmic sound of sawing, the transient shadows transport us to a world where master jewellers meticulously crafted dreams into reality; history mingles with creation in a captivating soundscape.
Surrounded by all these history-rich tools, our artisans wield their weapons of creation, ready to transform the pendant design commissioned for Butler Gallery into reality. With meticulous precision, they cut and shape the flat sheet of urban mined silver, transforming the raw material into a wearable work of art. Hammering, rolling, bending, soldering, filing, polishing; in a rich soundscape of workshop sounds, the pendant is infused with their passion and commitment to tradition, and slowly the pendant is brought to life.
The carefully chosen Connemara marble becomes the centrepiece of the pendant, a new addition to the original all-silver pendant designed by Rudolf Heltzel himself in 1974.
Through the craftsmanship and dedication of our artisans, this pendant is a tangible expression of artistry and a bridge between centuries-old traditions and sustainable materials. It is this level of craftsmanship and specialised skill that sets our jewellery makers apart, bringing forth a distinct look that cannot be replicated; wearing it means adorning oneself not only with a beautiful and meaningful design but also with the spirit of our artisans' dedication and passion. Through timeless techniques passed on to us, we honour the rich heritage of jewellery making, which connects us to the great artisans of the past, carrying the torch of the remarkable heritage of our craft into another generation. And by passing this pendant on to you, you can connect with this legacy too.
About Rudolf Heltzel
A Rudolf Heltzel philosophy when designing is to be highly aware of the functionality of the work, ensuring that - in spite of the ambition and complexity of the pieces - the designs always intend to complement the wearer. Through taking a sculptural approach to his work, Rudolf Heltzel was a master at creating art in jewellery.
Tickets also available from Butler Gallery Reception.
The Prize Draw will take place at 1pm on Wednesday, December 18th and will be broadcast on Butler Gallery Facebook Live.
The pendant will be available for collection from Wednesday 18th December.
All funds raised will support Butler Gallery’s 2025 Exhibition & Learning and Public Engagement Programme. Butler Gallery is a charity providing Free access to art for all.
