History of Irish Art Lecture Series

DATES – Tuesdays 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd November 2021

VENUE: Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith, 5 Black’s Road, Hammersmith W6 9DT

The 19th and 20th centuries were a period of transition and transformation in the history of Irish art. Patronage was scarce in the early 19th century with many artists emigrating to London in search of better opportunities. Emigration continued late into the century with an increasing number of young Irish students heading to France to absorb the plein-air painting methods of the Impressionists. The emergence of an Irish State in the early 1920s led to a rise in Irish nationalist art. At the same time, however, a generation of more internationally minded Irish painters introduced Cubism and other abstract art forms to Ireland, significantly contributing to European modernism of the 20th century.

While the focus of this course is paintings, we will also discuss the emergence of art galleries and museums during this period, and other mediums such as sculpture, stained glass, and performance throughout. 

Featured artists include: Daniel Maclise, Walter Frederick Osborne, John Lavery, Harry Clarke, Seán Keating, Jack B Yeats, Louis le Brocquy, Eileen Gray, Michael Craig Martin and many more. 

Course Programme:

WEEK 1: TUESDAY 2 NOVEMBER, 7.00pm – 9.00pm
Early - Mid 19th Century
Late 19th Century

WEEK 2: TUESDAY 9 NOVEMBER, 7.00pm – 9.00pm
Early 20th Century
Case Study: Jack B Yeats

WEEK 3: TUESDAY 16 NOVEMBER, 7.00pm – 9.00pm
Mid Century Modern
Late 20th Century

WEEK 4: TUESDAY 23 November, 7.00pm – 9.00pm
21st Century to Now

Guest Speakers: Barbara Stanley & Irish artist Cormac O’Leary