Moville pen makes
its mark Down Under
04.03.25
A small workshop in
Moville is creating something truly special. Stephen
McDowell, the founder of Bog & Brass, skilfully
transforms 6,000-year-old ancient bogwood into stunning,
handcrafted pens and razors. Each piece is more than
just a functional item – it’s a celebration of local
history and heritage. One of Stephen’s pens has recently
journeyed across the globe, carrying with it a tale of
connection, craftsmanship, and ancestral pride.
John Mill, from Australia’s Gold Coast, has deep Donegal
roots and visited the county last year to trace his
family history – renting for two weeks in Inishowen. His
great-grandfather, Charles Gallagher, left Brackey, near
Ardara, for Australia in 1892, yet the family never lost
sight of their origins – so much so that their home in
Australia was named Brackey House. During his trip, John
visited the very home where his ancestor once lived, a
moment that resonated deeply with him.
With his son Patrick set to graduate from medical school
in Australia, John sought out a meaningful gift to mark
the occasion. He found exactly what he was looking for –
a pen from Bog & Brass on Irishhands.com – a new website
which supports and promotes creative makers from the
North West. However, the personal touch didn’t stop
there; Stephen McDowell engraved Patrick’s initials on
the pen, adding an extra layer of sentimentality.
“I wanted something truly special for Patrick, something
that would remind him of where he comes from” John said.
“The pen from Bog & Brass felt like the perfect choice –
a unique object with history, beauty, and craftsmanship,
all in one.” |
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John Mill presenting a
‘Bog & Brass’ pen to his son Patrick. |
Patrick, who now holds the
pen as he embarks on his medical career, was equally
touched. “It’s more than just a pen,” he said. “It’s a
symbol of my family’s journey, a connection to my roots,
and a beautiful piece of Irish craftsmanship. I can’t
wait to use it to write my first prescription!”
For Stephen McDowell, stories like these are what makes
his work so fulfilling. “Ever since I was young, I’ve
had a fascination with wood,” he said. “It all started
with collecting driftwood on the shore in Moville and
turning it into little creations. That love for working
with locally sourced wood grew into Bog & Brass, where I
now handcraft pens, razors, and other unique creations
that carry a piece of our history and heritage.” |
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Stephen McDowell, founder
of ‘Bog & Brass’ at the Guildhall Christmas Craft Fair.
He is also pictured handcrafting his unique creation and
image of the finished pen. |
Each piece Stephen creates
tells a story, carefully shaped and finished with
precision and passion. “At Bog & Brass, my goal is to
make something that’s not just useful, but meaningful”
he said. “Seeing the joy on a customer’s face like John
or Patrick when they receive a piece that connects them
to their Irish heritage is the most rewarding part of
what I do.”
‘Irish Hands’ is dedicated to helping Stephen and fellow
artisans from the North West share their wonderful craft
and creations with the world. For individuals like John
and Patrick Mill, a handcrafted pen transcends its
function – it becomes a tangible link to their past, and
a cherished symbol of both family and tradition. Stephen
McDowell’s handcrafted pens, razors, and other unique
creations are available at
www.irishhands.com . |
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