What promises to be a fascinating exhibition of all things Irish opens at the Art Institute of Chicago on St. Patrick’s Day. Ireland: Crossroads of Art and Design 1690-1840 – billed as the first exhibition to explore the rich and complex art and culture of Ireland during the 18th century – runs from March 17 to June 7. The show will bring together an Irish selection drawn from right across North America.
The programme of events and lectures around the exhibition will include a concert at Fullerton Hall on March 22 where musicians from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra will perform chamber music works by composers who found inspiration in Irish folk tunes and travel in Ireland. Here is a tiny flavour of what is to come. (See post on antiquesandartireland.com for January 11, 2015).
Unknown maker. Armchair, c. 1750. Ireland. Private collection. Photo: Dara McGrath.
John Kirkhoffer. Secretary Cabinet, 1732. Dublin, Ireland. Art Institute of Chicago, Gift of Robert Allerton.
Probably made by the Downshire Pottery,Belfast, Ireland. “Stag” Plate with Harp and Shamrock Border, c. 1800–06. Private collection. Photo: jamesfennell.com.
Adam Buck. The Artist and his Family, 1813. Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection.
Robert Woffington (movement). William Moore (probably, casework). Upright Piano, c. 1790. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Gift of the New England Conservatory of Music.
Thomas Roberts. The Sheet of Water at Carton, with the Duke and Duchess of Leinster about to Board a Rowing Boat, 1775–76. Private collection.