Search on for dressers to feature in folklore calendar

A search is underway for traditional Roscommon dressers as part of a popular Irish folklore calendar project that celebrates the unique character and history of household furniture across the country.

Folklore enthusiast and artist Michael Fortune, founder of Folklore.ie, is appealing to Roscommon residents to come forward with distinctive pieces for inclusion in his 2027 Irish Dresser and Folklore Calendar. Michael who has spent decades documenting regional traditions and material culture, says each dresser tells its own story—often spanning generations.

The appeal follows the success of the 2026 calendar, which featured a striking ruby-red dresser from Moyne, Loughglynn. Submitted by Laura O’Beirne-Geraghty, the piece once belonged to her great-grandmother, Hanoria O’Brien, and marked the first Roscommon dresser to be included in the series.

He believes such items are an important part of Ireland’s cultural identity. “It’s not copy-and-paste folklore,” he said, describing the project as an effort to raise awareness and celebrate who we are through everyday objects.

Having travelled extensively throughout Ireland, he has developed a keen eye for regional differences in dresser styles. According to Michael western counties such as Roscommon often feature more colourful and decorative pieces, sometimes adorned with carved hearts, crosses or other symbolic details.

“I’d know where I am in the country just by looking at a dresser,” he noted, highlighting the distinct craftsmanship that sets different regions apart.

Historically, many of these dressers date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, with some created as “wedding dressers,” handmade by men for their wives. 

The calendar series goes beyond photography, incorporating QR codes that allow readers to access the stories behind each dresser, preserving their history for future generations.

Having previously worked in Roscommon in 2006 as part of the Art at Work Programme, he said he would “love to have a new dresser from Roscommon” featured in the 2027 edition.

Anyone with a dresser of character or historical interest is encouraged to get in touch by emailing Info@folklore.ie or calling 087 647 0247.