Poland in Ireland

Professor Jan Łukasiewicz, one of the leading figures in the field of logic and author of more than 50 academic works in the fields of mathematical logic and philosophy, found himself destitute as a result of the Second World War and was subsequently offered to rebuild his life and academic career in Ireland.

His life was entwined with the tragic fate of Poland, his beloved country. Financially ruined as a result of the First World War, he was actively involved in reviving Polish education and science in the inter-war period (1918-1939). The Second World War destroyed nearly all of his scientific manuscripts, and the threat of a Communist regime forced him to flee his home country.  Now effectively a refugee, he accepted an offer of settlement and employment from the Irish State with gratitude and relief. Ireland gave him the opportunity and the resources to advance his scientific research and to publish one of the most important books of his career. 

The content of the exhibition was prepared by leading experts in the field – Prof. Jacek J. Jadacki (University of Warsaw) and Dr Eoin Kinsella (Royal Irish Academy) – and is accompanied by a variety of photographs, manuscripts and rarely seen documents drawn from various archives both in Ireland and Poland. 

The exhibition was officially opened on 11 October in the Royal Irish Academy  by Mr. Éamon Ó Cuív T.D. It will be hosted by the Academy until the end of January 2023, following which it will embark on a nationwide tour.

It is presented in English and admission is free. Please see enclosed photos from the opening night.