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The slate used to make the chair has also been used at Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral in -London, as well as Paris Opera House in the French capital.
Limerick architect and furniture designer Edwyn James Hickey learned there was a quarry on Valentia Island in Co Kerry when he visited for a work project.
The quarry, which first opened in the early 19th century, once employed over 450 people. It was bought by Dr Aidan Forde – a geologist from Killarney, Co Kerry – in 2018.
Stone is once again being quarried at the site, with Valentia slate being given a global designation as a heritage stone last year.
The status is only given to stones that have a long history of significant use and which is still available for conservation purposes.
It joins Connemara marble as the only Irish stones with this designation and has been previously used to restore the monument to Michael Collins at Béal na Bláth, Co Cork.
Mr Hickey created the Valentia chair last year, which weighs 210kg and is made of highly engineered and folded steel and covered with black German leather upholstery. Two side pieces have also been made using Valentia slate.
“It’s super comfortable,” Mr Hickey said. “My work is about making things practical as well as aesthetically pleasing.
“It’s a statement piece. This is going to be a rare stone in the future. There’s not an endless supply of it. When people buy a piece like this, they’re buying into that.”
The chair will be exhibited by Dublin’s Sol Art Gallery at Art Evolve – an art fair taking place at the RDS from Friday, April 4, to Sunday, April 6.
The exhibition involves 70 galleries and artists. It has been described by organiser Patrick O’Sullivan as an “ideal opportunity for collectors and the culturally curious to experience some of the best contemporary art currently being created in Ireland”.
The event will also feature work by Cork-born painter Tom Climent, Italian artist Sandro Chia and an installation by street artist Maser.
A piece by sculptor Rowan Gillespie – known for his Famine Memorial sculptures in Dublin city – will also be on display.
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