Tue, 30/04/2024

10:30 - 12:30  Newtownpark Pastoral Centre

This presentation will consider the influence of the Japanese sculptor and lacquer specialist, Seizo Sugawara (1884 – 1937) on Eileen Gray (1878 – 1976) in the context of the pervasiveness of Japonisme. Gray is best known for her pioneering work in early modernist architecture. Less well known is her acclaimed earlier career as a lacquer furniture designer. The presentation reveals Gray’s fine appreciation of the unique characteristics of Japanese lacquer. Ruth is a historian of Japanese art (including Japanese crafts) from the earliest times to the 20th century. Starr’s current research seeks to untangle the web of connections linking Japanese art and European art, following the common thread of lacquerware. Her major interest is how these links were manifest in Ireland during the Japonisme movement of the late 19th Century, particularly the Japanese influence on Eileen Gray, (1878- 1976); also Japonisme in 19th and 20th century Ireland and lacquerware in Japan and Europe.

Tue, 07/05/2024

11:00 - 13:00 

There will be two guided groups of 20, one at 10.30 and one at 11.30. Cost €5. Names and €5 (cash only) for this outing, will be taken this Tuesday 30 April - some places left.

Tue, 14/05/2024

10:30 - 12:30  Newtownpark Pastoral Centre

Does your house have a boot scraper, fancy fascias, jostle stones (as you know they are always in pairs!), a Victorian bellpull? What is a benchmark and why is it important? What does your streetname tell you about its history? What about the decorative masonry and ironwork in our neighbourhood? How would you know who made the iron railings? Seamus Cannon will focus attention on what is hidden in plain sight in our immediate neighbourhood and encourage you to see it in a new light. Dr. Séamus Cannon is an educator who, in retirement indulges his interests in James Joyce, Local History and furniture making. He is fascinated by the overlooked detail in our built environment and writes a monthly column for the Monkstown Voice on the topic. He is the author, with Carole Cullen, of Monkstown, a Victorian Village and of ‘You’d be filled with Wonder’, the Story of Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

Sun, 19/05/2024

15:00 - 16:30 

Séamus Cannon will lead a 90 minute walk in Victorian Monkstown. Meet at the Ring (centre of village opposite Church of Ireland). Numbers limited to 30. Names for this outing will be taken after his talk on 14 May.

Tue, 28/05/2024

12:30 - 14:30 

Our annual Summer Lunch will take place on Tuesday 28 May in the Royal Irish Yacht Club Dun Laoghaire. There will be a three course lunch plus tea / coffee, including a welcome drink. Cost €45. Names and payment - cash, card or cheque, will be taken at the talks on 30 April and 14 May 2024.

Print Date: 29 Apr 2024