Art History Trip: Collins Barracks
5th and 6th Year Art pupils recently took an art history and appreciation trip to the National Museum of Ireland in Collins Barracks in Dublin. Pupils focused their attention on the Eileen Gray exhibition. The exhibition is based on the life and work of Eileen Gray, an Irish woman who became one of the most influential furniture designers and architects of the 20th century. Pupils got to enjoy her classic designs and viewed some of her most famous pieces, such as chairs, tables, screens and carpets, which were placed alongside personal memorabilia. Pupils were given a guided tour by their art teachers Ms. Doyle and Ms. Comerford.
Pupils took time to fill in worksheets and sketch the items on display in preparation for their art history exam. The Art History exam is worth 40% in the Leaving Certificate so it is vital for art pupils to engage with the art around them, form opinions, challenge the concept of “What is Art?”, experience art in a museum setting and enjoy the visit. Pupils and teachers had a very enjoyable day…we can’t wait to go back!!!
Pupils also took some time out and tried to earn some brownie points from their History teacher by taking a look around the Asgard Exhibit. This exhibition tells the story of the iconic yacht from her building in 1905 by Colin Archer, the celebrated Norwegian naval architect, to her pivotal role in the 1914 Howth gun-running and her later use as Ireland`s first national sail-training vessel.
