This National Heritage Week (August 17th – 24th), Crawford Art Gallery is serving up a smorgasbord of free lunchtime talks, with something for art lovers (and the just-plain curious) of all ages.
Ever wondered what happens to all that art during a renovation? In-house Production Manager Kathryn Coughlan will spill the beans on “decanting” over 3,500 precious artworks from the building by the end of 2024 to prepare for the redevelopment, while Dr. Chiara Chillè, a real-life art doctor, will give you the lowdown on keeping those masterpieces looking their best.
Meet the gallery’s director, Mary McCarthy, as she shares the exciting plans for Crawford Art Gallery’s big makeover or take a curator-led tour of the “FROM SOURCE TO SEA” exhibition with Dr. Michael Waldron.
You can bring the whole family and there’s even a fun, free art workshop for everyone to unleash their inner artist.
All these events are completely free, but some might require booking. So head over to the Crawford Art Gallery website and snag your spot before they’re gone.
Here’s what’s on:
Caring for the Collection with Dr Chiara Chillè
Friday 16th August, 13.15, Lower Gallery
Art conservation is a vital tool in preserving cultural heritage and nobody believes this more passionately than conservator Dr Chiara Chillè, who is working in Crawford Art Gallery as they prepare to close for their capital redevelopment project. Join Chiara for a talk on the general principles of conservation followed by a more detailed look at her work with Crawford Art Gallery’s collection.
This event is free to attend but booking is essential. Reserve your place via Eventbrite.
Heritage Open Day FROM SOURCE TO SEA tour
Saturday 17th August, 2pm. Meeting point: Sculpture Galleries
A free Public Tour of the exhibition FROM SOURCE TO SEA with artist and tour guide Julie Forrester. Learn more about the exhibition and how it links to the National Heritage Week themes of Connections, Routes and Networks. Free | Open to All
Heritage Open Day Family-friendly workshop
Saturday 17th August, 11-1pm. Gibson Landing
Join a hands-on family-friendly workshop. Get inspired by the exhibition from Source to Sea with artist Queenie O’Sullivan Free | Open to All | Family-friendly
Crating the Collection with Jean O’Donovan
Monday 19th August, 13.15, Lower Gallery
Over 3,000 precious artworks are set to be moved offsite by the end of 2024, for Crawford Art Gallery’s ambitious redevelopment project. How can such a precious collection be stored safely? Join Registrar Jean O’Donovan as she reveals her preparations for packing and moving Crawford Art Gallery’s diverse collection of artworks and objects. This event is free to attend as part of Heritage Week but booking is essential. Reserve your place via Eventbrite.
Decanting the Collection with Kathryn Coughlan
Wednesday 21st August, 13.15, Lower Gallery
The process and planning for decanting Crawford Art Gallery’s extensive collection is a huge undertaking. Production Manager Kathryn Coughlan talks through this fascinating process, as well as the potential risks involved in leaving a collection on-site during building work. This event is free to attend but booking is essential. Reserve your place via Eventbrite.
FROM SOURCE TO SEA – Heritage Week curator’s tour
Thursday 22 August, 1pm
Curator Michael Waldron guides visitors on a journey along the course of the River Lee. And all from the comfort of the gallery. This event is free to attend but booking is essential. Reserve your place via Eventbrite.
Shaping the future of Crawford Art Gallery with Mary McCarthy
Friday 23rd August, 13.15, Lower Gallery
Join director Mary McCarthy to learn all about Crawford Art Gallery’s exciting new capital redevelopment. This is a special opportunity to hear about the 300-year-old building’s upcoming restoration along with the new elements which will give the Crawford significantly enhanced new spaces for exhibitions, Learn & Explore programmes as well as collection care and storage. This event is free to attend but booking is essential. Reserve your place via Eventbrite.