Heal's is hosting its first presentation of work by Irish designers and makers since the 1970s, and its launch coincides with St Patrick's Day (+ slideshow).

British homeware retailer Heal's worked with Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI) to curate the show, which includes furniture, lighting, ceramics, textiles, glass and gifts from 20 designers from the island of Ireland.

Design Ireland is the third edition of Heal's Modern Craft Market, an annual event that provides a platform for contemporary craft.

"We have seen a surge in recognition and appreciation internationally for the quality, diversity and provenance of work emerging from Ireland," said DCCoI CEO Karen Hennessy.

"The work of the participating designers and makers, who range from family companies established for generations to brand new start-ups, has all been designed and made in Ireland and reflects the level of innovation and craftsmanship across the Irish design and craft sector," she added.

The show will also feature a series of "meet the maker events" and live in-store events.

Some of the participating designers and makers will demonstrate their craft in the shop's windows, with basket weaving by Galway-based practitioner Joe Hogan and screen-printing by Dublin studio me&him&you. 

Included in the presentation is a range of ceramics by Dublin studio Arran Street East, which are glazed in the colours of cabbages, potatoes, parsnips, lemons, pomegranates and pink grapefruit in reference to Dublin's fruit and vegetable market.

Glass vessels by Antrim-based BTU Studio are decorated with white veins, and a marble chopping board by Hennessy & Byrne from Country Wicklow has a herringbone pattern.

This is the first time Heal's has presented the work of Irish designers since the retailer held a series of exhibitions at Ireland's Kilkenny Design Workshops in 1967 and 1972.

"We are working closely with the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland to feature some of Ireland's most exciting design and craft brands, and we are thrilled to be bringing them together in the UK for the first time," said Heal's CEO Hamish Mansbridge.

Some of the designers included in Design Ireland also presented work at Tent London for last year's London Design Festival and in an exhibition named Liminal – Irish Design at the Threshold during Milan design week 2015.

The exhibitions are part of a year-long initiative by DCCoI and the Irish government to raise the profile of Irish design and create more jobs in the industry.

Design Ireland will remain open at Heal's flagship store on London's Tottenham Court Road until Sunday 27 March 2016.