Chairman's creation plays central role at inauguration

Kilcloon furniture designer and maker John Lee was responsible for the creation of the chair used at the inauguration ceremony for President Michael D Higgins in the State Rooms of Dublin Castle on Friday. Based in Pagestown, and living in Ballivor, Mr Lee graduated from the furniture design and manufacture programme at GMIT Letterfrack in 1993 and, following a number of years working in the UK, returned to Ireland and set up his own successful furniture design and making business. He was awarded the commission following a tendering process conducted by the Office of Public Works (OPW) to replace the previous chair, the Viceregal Throne, made in the 19th century for the British viceroys or lord lieutenants of Ireland who controlled British administration in Ireland. This chair was altered for use by the fledgling Éire government to inaugurate the first President of Ireland, Douglas Hyde, by removing a carved crown that decorated its top and incorporating the State Harp as a fabric inset in the back of the chair. The OPW tender documents stated that a 'high standard of design' was required and the new chair should be 'presidential, not regal'. It should reflect the 'national and pre-eminent role of the President' without being 'overwhelming or dominating and it must be of a sufficient timeless design and character to be suitable for use for many future inaugurations'. John drew inspiration from the Irish phrase 'céad mile failte' - 100,000 welcomes - and the 'ambassadorial role of the presidency'. His response features a simple, contemporary chair, made in quarter sawn native white oak that features sweeping free-flowing, welcoming arms and a gold-embossed State Harp on a 'Irish presidential blue' leather hide for the chair back. "The new chair is a modest and modern but not overwhelming piece that reflects the dignity of the office of the President," said John. Anthony Clare, lecturer and programme chairperson for the BSc in furniture design and manufacture in GMIT Letterfrack, said: "We are delighted with John's achievement. When Michael D Higgins was Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, he supported the role of GMIT Letterfrack in fostering design awareness and innovation in high-quality furniture and I am sure he will be thrilled that his success has manifested itself in such a direct way in his inauguration." He added: "This is, in fact, the second time GMIT Letterfrack has had a link to Áras an Uachtaráin. In 2008, students designed, made and presented three lecterns to outgoing President Mary McAleese and these are used for all formal addresses given by the President in Áras an Uachtaráin."