My first day in Dublin was packed with visits to the National Library, National Museum, Writer's Museum, and Hugh Lane Gallery.
Dublin is known for it's brightly painted doors and this one is no exception.
Once I crossed the threshold of Hugh Lane Gallery, it took all of about three minutes before something caught my eye. Drawing me in (like a moth to a flame) and holding me captive.
"The Eve of St Agnes" by Harry Clarke. As mentioned in a previous post (Irish Book Haul), photos simply cannot do it justice. Learn more about it here : http://www.hughlane.ie/eve-of-st-agnes-by-harry-clarke2
I was not familiar with the poem by John Keats prior to this, however I am very much inspired to seek it out. I purchased the book by Jessica O'Donnell (which as I understand it is meant for children) because I wanted to refer to the images and learn more about this piece. The poem itself is quite long and Mr Clarke only illustrated bits and pieces of it. I stood there for quite a while, examining each of the panels closely and marvelling at the intricate detail, down to the tiny script present in almost every one.
"The Sleeping Princess" - part of the Briar Rose series by Burne-Jones.
I was walking from room to room and as I turned the corner, my eyes were met with this painting. Reminiscent of John William Waterhouse (whose work I am rather fond of), it took my breath away. I approached it slowly, as though afraid that if I were to move too quickly my eagerness to be near it would somehow damage it. I sat on a bench, facing it and took it in. At just over 4 feet high and 7 feet across, it's quite impressive to say the least. I felt somewhat uncomfortable taking photos of the artwork, but with regard to this painting I just couldn't help myself.
What I encountered next garnered quite a strong reaction. I was uncomfortable at first, but allowed myself to sit with that discomfort long enough to become intrigued.
Frances Bacon's studio has been meticulously recreated.
Frances Bacon was born in Dublin on Oct 28, 1909. He was a rather eccentric man, claiming that he simply could not work in a tidy studio. Now, while I am not able to work in a sterile environment by any means, this is pushing it a bit too far for my comfort. Having said that, I am always interested in that glimpse behind the proverbial curtain, that peek inside the creative mind. I want to know what makes other artists tick.
Prior to removing the studio and it's entire contents, the Hugh Lane team employed archaeologists to meticulously document not only each item but its placement in the room. This was done in order to relocate and replicate it in the gallery. So you are seeing it exactly as he left it. 570 books, 1500 photos, 100 slashed canvasses, 1300 pages torn from books, 2000 artist materials, and 70 drawings. Other items include magazines, newspapers, and vinyl records.
You can read more about it here: http://www.hughlane.ie/history-of-studio-relocation
I find the entire process extremely interesting and have to say quite impressive. Standing there, looking into what seems like utter chaos and knowing that he somehow made sense of it.
The Hugh Lane Gallery is filled with inspiring work. These are but three small parts that spoke to me. It was interesting to chat with other Pilgrims and learn what drew them in. Was it the familiar or did they discover something new?