Exhibition and poetry celebrate inspirational landscape
A new poetry collection and accompanying exhibition celebrating the inspirational landscape of Knockbride, the Corleck Head, and the legacy of historian Tom Barron opens next week.
The launch of of ‘Knockbride - A Landscape That Inspires’ and the opening of Art Exhibition ‘Knockbride - An Artist’s Response’, will take place on Thursday, September 5 at 7pm in Bailieborough Library.
The origins of poetry collection ‘Knockbride ‘A Landscape That Inspires’ lie in a series of well-attended workshops at Bailieborough Library facilitated by renowned poet Noel Monahan in conjunction with Cavan Arts Office. Such was the success of the workshops; it was decided to publish a book based on the poems produced by writers engaged on the project. Through these workshops, Noel conducted an exploration of Knockbride’s unspoiled terrain, where the Corleck Head was discovered. It was his hope that a new generation of artists, poets, painters, and historians would be led “to the discovery of new findings and new ways of looking at the everyday”, adding “We took a long and serious look at the incredible and invaluable work of the late Tom Barron”.
The book contains 25 exceptionally well-crafted poems and an essay in honour of Tom Barron and the Corleck Head. Poem titles include ‘Summer Colours’, ‘Skeagh Lake Through March’, ‘Meitheal – Lapping The Hay’, ‘Three Knockbride Haiku’, and ‘Beagh Sliabh to Cnoc Bride’. Contributors to the book include Mary O’Reilly, Kay Maguire, Carmel O’Callaghan, Jimmy O’Dowd, Oliver Tierney, Susan Flynn, Sally-Ann Duffy, and Jonathan Smyth.
An accompanying art exhibition ‘Knockbride – An Artist’s Response’, also opening on September 5, celebrates the rich heritage and inspiration drawn from Knockbride. Local artists created works reflecting the Knockbride landscape, the legacy of Tom Barron, and the Corleck Head.
Jonathan A. Smyth’s book, ‘Gentleman & Scholar, Thomas James Barron: 1903 – 1992’, provided valuable insights into Mr. Barron’s life and work, further inspiring the artists. A visit to Knockbride allowed three local tour guides—Roseanna Clarke, Lil McCormack, and Shirley Hall, to share their extensive knowledge and passion for the area’s history and landmarks, enriching the artists’ understanding.
The exhibition features work by Joanne Behan, Lee-Anne Brady, Heather Brett, Elena Duff, Orla Galligan, Michelle Harton, Eilish McCann, Carmel O’Callaghan, Darragh Slacke, and Marie Smith.
The exhibition will be open in Bailieborough Library on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10am-1.15pm and 2.15-5.15pm until Saturday, September 14. The book will be available for purchase from Candlelight Books, Cavan.