Rathdrum Historical Society
Images currently on display at the Brockagh Resource Centre will feature in an upcoming lecture from Joan Kavanagh organised by Rathdrum Historical Society.
Glendalough has had many phases in its history: its golden age of monasticism, the introduction of religious orders, the reformation, its decline and then it rising again, like the phoenix in the late 18th century when it again became a place of pilgrimage.
From as early as the 1770s visitors were coming to Glendalough to view the antiquities and to explore the beauties of the valley. It was seen as important that the ruins which had lain waste for centuries should be recorded for posterity and that the Glendalough of the latter half of the 18th century has been preserved is due in no small way to the many artists who came to the valley to paint and draw the area as they perceived it.
Following this resurgent interest in antiquities various illustrated guides were written, each one giving a personal interpretation of what Glendalough held for that particular individual. These accounts have served Glendalough well over the years as they portrayed Glendalough as a mystical, romantic, picturesque landscape with something on offer for all comers. They were in effect performing the modern day equivalent of the marketing guru, depicting Glendalough as a place that must be seen and therefore enticing further visitors and writers to the Wicklow Mountains.
Many of the images on view in the exhibition in the Brockagh Centre were painted or sketched for inclusion in these guides and were an opportunity for people who were unable to travel to view the locations being described. They were the virtual tours of their day! The art of the artists, along with the words of the writers, created a lasting atmosphere which we can still enjoy today.
Rathdrum Historical Society will present a lecture by Joan Kavanagh in the Brockagh Resource Centre, Laragh on Glendalough – Art and Atmosphere using images from the exhibition of paintings and drawings of the area currently on display in the Centre.
This exhibition and talk is based on a selection of paintings and drawings held by the National Library and the National Gallery of Ireland.
The lecture will be given on Monday, December 4, in the Brockagh Resource Centre, Laragh at 8 p.m., followed by tea/coffee and festive mince pies.
Please note the change from the Society’s Rathdrum venue.
There will be a charge of €3 at the door and all are welcome.