18 December 2014

OPW is proud to announce that, for the first time, visitors will be able to see ten ceiling paintings at eye level in a new exhibition in the Pearse Museum. Patrick Tuohy, one of the most significant Irish artists of his generation, was commissioned to paint these canvases depicting the Life of Christ in 1913 for the Jesuit Order in Rathfarnham Castle. They replaced a series of paintings by the 18th century artist Angelica Kaufmann that had been removed from the ceiling of the Castle's Long Gallery and sold by a previous owner.

The Tuohy paintings have been temporarily removed from the ceiling of Rathfarnham Castle while it undergoes a substantial renovation project which is due to be completed next year. This has allowed the Office of Public Works (OPW) the unique opportunity to display these paintings in the Pearse Museum and mark Tuohy's connection with the 1916 leaders, Patrick and William Pearse. Tuohy knew both men and was a pupil in their school, Scoil Éanna, between 1908 and 1910.

The Pearse brothers recognised their pupil's artistic gift during his time at the school. One of his paintings hung in the school art gallery and it is included in the exhibition, as are a series of caricatures he produced of his school fellows and distinguished visitors to the school, including the writers Edward Martyn and Standish O'Grady. Other paintings in the exhibition include a scene of a forge in Roundwood Co. Wicklow, which is the earliest known painting in oils by Tuohy and which he painted in 1907 when he was just 13 years old.

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For further information contact Brian Crowley on 01 493 4208 or email brian.crowley@opw.ie High quality images available on request.

Note to Editors:

Pearse Museum is open from 9.30am to 4pm (closed Tuesdays).

The Exhibition runs until 30th March 2015.

Admission: Free