Drawings by Markievicz put on show

THE WORK of Countess Constance Markievicz was put in the picture at an exhibition of sketches and drawings from the renowned Pat Woods collection in County Hall.

A selection of 19 sketches and drawings completed during Irish leader’s studies in the Slade School of Art in London were put on display for a week. Markievicz studied art in the school in 1892 before enrolling at the prestigious Academie Julian in Paris.

Speaking at the opening of the exhibition, Wexford County Council cathaoirleach Paddy Kavanagh thanked artefact and art collector Mr Woods for making the collection available for viewing in this centenary year.

‘It is fitting in this unique year of commemoration that we should pay homage to Countess Markievicz in Co Wexford.

‘Countess Markievicz was inspired by the 1798 rebellion and she wrote at length about how Wexford women were ill treated in the aftermath of battle.

‘She no doubt inspired the many women who were active here in Wexford during 1916 including Úna Brennan, Marion Stokes, Gretta Comerford, Eily O’Hanrahan, and Min and Mary-Kate Ryan,’ he said.

Along with giving the public the opportunity to view some of the beautiful artwork, it helped people to understand the importance of life drawing and the lessons in art schools at the time. Slade Art School London was the first British Art school to allow women to study on equal terms by giving them access to life models.