Studio & State: The Laverys and the Anglo-Irish Treaty is a co-curated exhibition by Hugh Lane Gallery and the National Museum of Ireland. It marks the centenary of the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in December 1921.
The showcase features for the first time Sir John Lavery’s paintings of the Treaty signatories from Hugh Lane Gallery next to contemporary artefacts of the time from the National Museum of Ireland’s collection.
Museum objects include the fountain pen reputedly used by Michael Collins to sign the original Treaty document and propaganda handbills.
This temporary exhibition closes on 6 December, 2022.
Exhibition notes comment that Studio & State explores events between July 1921, when the Truce was agreed in Dublin, and January 1922, when the Anglo-Irish Treaty was narrowly ratified in Dáil Éireann. It considers the role that John and Hazel Lavery played during the Treaty negotiations and how they negotiated the complex relationships between art, politics and history.
The Treaty signatories from both sides sat for Lavery during the negotiations and his London studio was an informal meeting place, in which Hazel Lavery played an influential role. John Lavery cast himself in the role of artist-diplomat and saw the studio as “neutral ground”.
The negotiations for and signing of the Treaty were crystallising moments for Ireland in the 20th century. The Treaty was both a vehicle of peace as well as a catalyst for civil war.
Sir John Lavery’s paintings provide an unparalleled record of this pivotal moment.
A bespoke exhibition catalogue with essays from historians, art historians and artists further explores the historical events of this time and the role of the Laverys in the Treaty negotiations. It is available for sale at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks.
Studio & State is located at Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7.
Admission is free.