About

Hill Picket Studio is the initiative of Chaim and Carol Factor.

Chaim is a designer and master craftsman. He has contributed to many projects of distinction, including Dublin's Trinity College, Senate Buildings, National Concert Hall, the Four Courts, St. Mary’s Church Dublin, to name but a few. Chaim's work has been shown in Tokyo, Vancouver, Sydney, and Paris. He has exhibited extensively in Ireland and Europe and is represented in numerous private collections.

Carol adds to her experience in ceramics and craft work by managing the business at Hill Picket Studio.

Together, their aim in creating this space was:-

• To establish a centre of learning which defines the importance of fine woodwork,                                                                                  furniture design and making, wood sculpture and instrument making.
• To maintain established knowledge in traditional methods
• To forge new concepts using wood as a sustainable material.

Where does the name 'Hill Picket' originate? 

An ancient ring fort is located on the very top of the hill above our studio. There is a 360° view from that point which stretches as far north as the Sugarloaf mountain in North Co. Wicklow, and as far south as Kilmuckridge in Co. Wexford. To the west, one can see Mt. Leinster in Co. Carlow, and to the east. Just down the hill, lies the beautiful and famous Vale of Avoca.

That explains the 'hill' part. The word 'picket' means a military lookout. This relates to the position of the ring fort which is only some meters from our entrance, and pictured above. We thought it fitting to revive this old local name which had fallen into disuse.

What about the turbine? The 6 kw turbine positioned at our gateway is a busy member of the Hill Picket team but does not get that much of a break! Owing to our elevated position, the wind blows almost constantly and the turbine contributes a large portion to our overall power requirements. The studio itself is a carbon neutral building.