Poland in Ireland

In Ireland, the name ‘Markievicz’ immediately conjures the figure of Constance Markievicz, Irish revolutionary heroine. For the first time, this exhibition explored the artistic life and work of her Polish husband, Casimir Markievicz – painter, playwright, and larger-than-life personality – and his place in Dublin’s bohemian circles on the eve of the Revolution. 

Over 80 artworks and artefacts presented in Dublin Castle’s State Apartment Galleries had been loaned from major state collections including the National Gallery of Ireland, National Library of Ireland, National Museum of Ireland, Hugh Lane Gallery, Crawford Gallery, The Model in Sligo, and the Public Records Office of Northern Ireland; as well as from private lenders including Lissadell House, United Arts Club, Sir Josslyn Gore-Booth, the family of Irish radical Thomas MacDonagh and Casimir's Polish relatives from Poznań and Kraków.

The exhibition also explored links between Ireland, Poland, and Ukraine (where Casimir’s family lived). Displayed in the galleries were unique photographs of Ukraine’s lands and people taken by Constance, and paintings of its countryside made by both, on special loan from Casimir Markievicz’s relatives in Poland. Many of these had not been seen in Ireland for more than a century. 

The exhibtion was accompanied by a bilingual catalogue. It was officially opened on 24 April and ran unrtil 14 September. Attached are the photographs from the official launch. We are delighted that Casimir's Polish relatives - The Libickis and The Malkieviczes - attended the exhibtion launch. 

On 3 September the exhibtion co-curator Professor Emily Mark-Fitzgerald delivered a lecture on life and art of Casimir and his central place in bohemian Dublin. Watch the video recording of the lecture.