The Icon Factory

Bringing literature to life through tote bags!

Oscar Wilde wrote beloved children’s stories like The Happy Prince and Other Tales
and The Selfish Giant.
He wrote many of these stories for his own sons.
Proof that even the most brilliant satirist can have a beautifully soft heart.

Oscar Wilde was one of Ireland’s most brilliant literary rebels. Born in Dublin in 1854, he became famous for his dazzling conversation, theatrical plays, and razor-sharp humour.
His masterpiece novel The Picture of Dorian Gray scandalised Victorian society — and became one of the most famous works in English literature.

BORN TO BE WILDE
to...
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
— Oscar Wilde

Ireland’s master of wit and style.
His words still sparkle today. Now, they walk the streets with you.

Over a year ago, EPIC Museum gave us a very special opportunity.

At the time, The Icon Factory was just starting our online project.

Jilly Mulvaney was the first person showed interest in what we are building. She welcomed our products into one of the most visited museums in Dublin and gave our work a place on display — something we will always be grateful for.

A big thank you as well to Katie H**e, who beautifully organised the display and helped present our artists’ work.

Today, The Icon Factory is continuing to grow our online platform supporting our in-house artists, and we are looking forward to start collaborating with more retailers and visionaries whose mission, like EPIC’s, aligns with what The Icon Factory stands for: creativity, courage, and uniqueness.

We look forward to working with local venues, unique retailers, museums, organisations, and creative partners as we continue to grow.

Iconic Ideas!

Page 14!
Just one example from over 120 pages of this incredible project! Hilarious Dublin slang phrases featured in this book!
Take a deeper look and explore products by our talented artists, who create truly unique artwork.

Created by Anthony Carey and his daughter, Becca Carey, brilliantly humorous book, favourite — and a great seller — at The Icon Factory.

A great “guide” to using Dublin slang in the most professional way possible…Gas craic altogether!

“Ask My Arse and Other Useful Phrases” is available now in our book selection.

If you’re a retailer interested in unique, original, locally made products by artists, please contact us at:
📧 [email protected]

The Icon Factory has worked with local artists for over a decade, promoting their talent, creativity, and uniqueness.

One of these outstanding artists is Anthony Carey. Together with his daughter, Becca Carey, he created a brilliantly humorous book (as you can probably tell from the cover) "Not very useful at all!".

A longtime favourite and great seller at The Icon Factory, this book offers a hilarious “guide” to using Dublin slang in the most "professional" way possible.

Gas craic altogether.
“Ask My Arse and Other Useful Phrases” is available now in our book selection.

If you are a retailer interested in unique, original, locally made by artists products, please contact us at:
📧 [email protected]

Yes. Yes. Yes.

🌿 Ecological Cotton.
100% Unique.
✨ Inspiring.
Limited Edition of 100.

For individuals who love to stand out.
For retailers who want something truly different.

👉 Contact us: [email protected]

🛒 Or purchase now: https://iconfactorydublin.com/bestsellers/33-ever-tried-ever-failed-samuel-beckett-literary-tote-bag.html

Alongside sharing our products and artists, we would also like to share some stories and fun facts. Please feel free to comment, share other facts, and engage with us in promoting knowledge and culture.

Continuing with Samuel Beckett, here’s a fun fact you might not know: despite being celebrated as one of Ireland’s greatest literary figures, Beckett also had a strong connection to sports. He was an accomplished cricket player in his youth and even remains the only Nobel Prize–winning author to be listed in Wisden, the famous cricket almanack. A reminder that creativity and athletic spirit can beautifully coexist!

First, when we started the Icon Project—before the concept of The Icon Walk even came to mind—we began with the first drawings of Irish writers. Previous attempts had already been made by artists taking part in different projects, but once we secured a location, the writers were the first.

Over the years, a few of them became favourites, and we launched several products featuring those writers and their great quotes. One of them is Samuel Beckett.

We want our art to be produced locally, using eco-friendly and recyclable materials. We value originality and believe our copyrighted ideas deserve recognition — so we can give back to the artists, support their unique visions, and celebrate their creativity.

We’re looking to collaborate with retailers and creative centres who share our values, helping us support our mission and continue The Icon Factory legacy.

At The Icon Factory, we've always supported emerging artists. Over the years, we've worked closely with creatives to design products that celebrate the heart of Irish culture — something we deeply cherish.

We will continue this mission, collaborating with artists on their original ideas and creations. Follow us to discover more about the talented people we work with.

In the near future, we will share ideas, products we’re already collaborating on — and welcome new creatives joining The Icon Factory.
Our goal is simple: to keep supporting artists and creativity. We believe art should remain local, unique, and meaningful.

It’s never easy to share difficult news. Our dear friend Barney, founder of Icon and the visionary behind The Icon Walk, passed away peacefully on Monday. He was a true gladiator in his battle with illness — full of passion for life and always with a mind of his own.

Rest in peace, my friend. Your contribution, your inspiration, and the people you brought together have beautifully shaped our journey — and continue to do so.

Enjoy your next journey, wherever you are now.

Once the date of the modest farewell ceremony is confirmed, the details will be available on rip.ie.