That might seem an odd question, since the Proclamation of the Irish Republic is probably Ireland’s best-known historical document: and anyway, isn’t there only one? The answer is both yes, and no. Let’s start with the story behind the Proclamation, which is quite well known, but here’s a quick summary: In the years since it … Continue reading Do you have a favourite Proclamation?
Over the course of his career, artist Harry Kernoff (1900 - 1974) produced three books of woodcuts, filled with striking black and white prints. Born in London in 1900, Kernoff was the eldest son of Isaac and Kate Kernoff, Russian-Jewish migrants who had moved to Britain from Vitebsk, then part of Russia, now Belarus. The … Continue reading Harry Kernoff’s Woodcuts
Dr F.S. Bourke, (1895-1959) medical doctor, Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Physicians and bibliographer assembled a private library of some 9,000 items reflecting his interests in Irish history, literature, culture and society over his lifetime until his death in 1959. Francis Stephen Bourke was born on the 14/15th July 1895 in High Street, … Continue reading Bourke the Bibliographer