The Office of Public Works present an exhibition 'Meditation on Plates: Inspired by Lord Charlemont's Casino' which will be on view to the public from 13th July 2014, in one of Ireland's most highly regarded historic buildings, the Casino Marino. The exhibition is a wonderful collection of porcelain plates designed by a group of almost 40 esteemed Irish and international artists, designers and architects.

Each member of the group was invited to respond to the Casino building, its ornamental elements or its surroundings in a personal drawing. The artists' drawings have been transferred onto porcelain plates and reproduced in a limited edition of 18 plates per artist. The resulting collection is rich in its variety of interpretations and the quality and beauty of the work.

From 13th July 2014, the complete collection of plates will be exhibited in the main saloon of the Casino. A selection of original drawings will be shown in the china closet and zodiac rooms adjoining the main saloon. Included in this exhibition are Alec Cobbe, Dorothy Cross, Paul Costelloe, Barnabà Fornasetti, Richard Gorman, Eithne Jordan and Alessandro Mendini. Many of the participants are Italian, live in Italy or have lived in Italy. This ties in with Lord Charlemont's desire to bring some of the beauty of Italy to Ireland. 'Meditation on Plates: Inspired by Lord Charlemont's Casino' pays homage to Lord Charlemont, to his love of art and his passion for Italy.

The exhibition is curated by Irish artist and designer Nuala Goodman, who has lived and worked in Milan since coming to Ettore Sottsass' studio. In the design world, she has worked with Alessi, Swatch and Morose among others.

'Meditation on Plates: Inspired by Lord Charlemont's Casino' opens on 13th July and remains until 31st October 2014. It will be possible to purchase the plates, either as a collection or individually; each plate is a covetable work of art.

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For further information on the exhibition, please contact: Ruth Kelly at casinomarino@opw.ie  or Tel: 01 833 1618 or 087 768 6487

For media queries, please contact: opwpressoffice@opw.ie

Note to Editors:

The Casino Marino is located in Marino, Dublin 3, just off the Malahide Road, and is managed and conserved by the Office of Public Works.

The Casino Marino was designed by Sir William Chambers as a pleasure house for James Caulfeild, 1st Earl of Charlemont, who was widely recognized as one of the most enlightened and cultured men of his day. This miniature building is regarded as both a unique and finest representation of eighteenth century Neo-Classical European architecture. Lord Charlemont's extensive Grand Tour through Italy and Greece culminated in his wish to create his own Italian Arcadia in Ireland. The Casino, or 'small house' contains sixteen rooms intricately decorated with ornate plasterwork and richly patterned marquetry floors.

Entry to the exhibition is free.

Open for Guided tours until 31st October 2014 inclusive.

March and October: Daily 10am - 5pm; June to September: Daily 10am - 6pm.

Last admission: 45 mins before closing.

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