PHOTOGRAPHED 2016

LEGACY COLLECTION BY WILLIAM MURPHY

THE SETANTA WALL

THIS HAS BEEN DEMOLISHED

THE SETANTA WALL

THE SETANTA WALL


SETANTA WALL BY DESMOND KINNEY AS IT WAS IN MARCH 2016 [DID YOU KNOW THAT THIS HAS BEEN DEMOLISHED]

This was photographed in March 2016.


Desmond Kinney's Táin Wall: A Lost Gem of Dublin

Tucked away in an unassuming corner off Nassau Street in Dublin, a remarkable piece of art once captivated passersby with its vibrant colours and intricate storytelling. Desmond Kinney's 1974 mosaic mural, affectionately known as the Táin Wall, depicted scenes from the epic Irish myth Táin Bó Cúailnge (The Cattle Raid of Cooley). Sadly, this hidden gem has been demolished, leaving behind a void in Dublin's urban landscape and a sense of loss for those who admired its artistry and cultural significance.

The Táin Wall: A Celebration of Irish Mythology

The Táin Wall, created in 1974, stood as a testament to Kinney's artistic vision and his deep appreciation for Irish folklore. Located near Nassau Street, the mural depicted key moments from the Táin Bó Cúailnge, a cornerstone of Irish literature. This epic tale narrates the story of the legendary hero Cú Chulainn, who single-handedly defended Ulster against the invading forces of Queen Medb of Connacht. The mural illustrated the life of Cú Chulainn and how he defended Ulster from Queen Medb.  

The mural captured the essence of this ancient myth, bringing to life the heroic deeds of Cú Chulainn and the dramatic events of the cattle raid. Through his intricate mosaic work, Kinney immortalized the story of Cú Chulainn, a figure deeply embedded in Irish mythology and comparable to iconic heroes like Achilles, Heracles, and Beowulf. In the tale, Queen Medb of Connacht raises an army to attack Ulster and capture a famous and sacred bull kept by the local chieftain.  

The Táin Bó Cúailnge is believed to have originated in oral storytelling, only being written down during the Middle Ages. Evidence suggests that it had a far older oral history long before it was documented. For example, the poem Conailla Medb michuru ("Medb enjoined illegal contracts") by Luccreth moccu Chiara, dated to c. 600, tells the story of Fergus mac Róich's exile with Ailill and Medb, which the poet describes as having come from sen-eolas ("old knowledge"). The story of Cú Chulainn has survived within contemporary Irish culture, largely thanks to the Celtic literary and poetic revival of the 19th and 20th centuries. This revival, initiated by prominent Irish authors such as W.B Yeats, James Joyce, and Patrick Pearse, sought to reexamine and celebrate indigenous Irish folklore.  

Desmond Kinney: A Master of Mosaics
Desmond Kinney, born in Portstewart in 1934, was a renowned Irish artist who breathed new life into the ancient art of mosaic making. After studying at Methodist College in Belfast and the Belfast College of Art, he established a successful graphic design studio called Kinney Dobson with Ralph Dobson in 1962. Kinney's passion for Irish mythology and his mastery of mosaics led him to create large-scale murals that adorned various locations across Dublin. While he produced numerous paintings and illustrations throughout his career, Kinney is best known for his vibrant mosaics, many of which draw inspiration from Irish legends. His artistic legacy continues through his children, Nicholas, Clare, and Maeve, who carry on his work at Kinney Design in Belfast.  

A Hidden Treasure Lost to Neglect
Despite its artistic merit and cultural significance, the Táin Wall suffered from neglect and a lack of recognition. Tucked away behind Reads stationary store, it remained largely unknown to many Dubliners. The site offered no information about the mural, the artist, or the story it depicted. Even the colophon, a brief inscription that once identified the work and the artist, had disappeared. Adding to its obscurity, the Setanta Centre, where the mural was located, had been closed.  

It is ironic that a significant artwork depicting a legendary hero was forgotten and neglected in its own city. Efforts to preserve the mural and raise awareness about its importance were hampered by this lack of public knowledge and the planned demolition of the Setanta Centre. There were efforts to have the wall repaired and to install a plaque identifying the images and crediting the artist. A temporary plaque with information about the mural was placed at the site, but it provided only a fleeting glimpse into the richness of the artwork.  

This neglect foreshadowed the mural's eventual demise, highlighting the challenges faced by public art in a constantly evolving urban environment.

Demolition and the Fate of the Táin Wall

The Táin Wall, like many other public artworks, faced challenges related to preservation and maintenance. Exposed to the elements, the mosaic eventually succumbed to wear and tear, reaching a point where restoration was deemed impractical. The planned demolition of the Setanta Centre further sealed the mural's fate.  

The panels of the mural were removed and placed in storage before the building's destruction. The lack of news reports or official statements regarding the demolition adds to the mystery surrounding the Táin Wall's demise. The Táin Wall's story is not unique. Public art often falls victim to urban development, raising questions about how to balance progress with the preservation of cultural heritage.

Commemoration and the Future

Despite its demolition, the Táin Wall continues to hold a special place in the hearts of those who admired its beauty and the story it conveyed. The mural's legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving public art and celebrating cultural heritage. Public art plays a vital role in shaping cultural identity and fostering a sense of community. Murals, in particular, can transform urban spaces into canvases that tell stories, spark conversations, and connect people to their history and heritage.  

While there are no concrete plans for replacing the Táin Wall, its relocation was proposed as part of the Setanta Centre redevelopment. Whether the mosaic panels will be reassembled in a new location or incorporated into a commemorative project remains to be seen. Another powerful mural in Ireland is the one depicting Bobby Sands in Belfast. This mural memorializes a key figure in the Northern Irish political and social conflict known as the Troubles.

Conclusion
Desmond Kinney's Táin Wall, once a vibrant tapestry of Irish mythology, is now a memory etched in the minds of those who had the opportunity to witness its splendor. Its demolition serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of public art and the importance of cherishing these cultural assets. The Táin Wall's story is a microcosm of the broader challenges faced by Dublin in preserving its artistic and cultural heritage amidst ongoing urban development. The mural's loss raises questions about the city's commitment to public art and the need for more proactive measures to protect these valuable assets.

While the future of the Táin Wall remains uncertain, its legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and captivate those who appreciate the power of art to tell stories and preserve cultural heritage. Hopefully, the city of Dublin will learn from this loss and take steps to ensure that other public artworks do not suffer the same fate. The preservation of public art is not merely about aesthetics; it is about safeguarding the stories, memories, and cultural identity of a city.

17/09/2014: “Desmond Kinney, who died recently, was a well-known Ulster artist whose mosaics adorned many important buildings in Ireland and further afield. He was 80.”

Desmond Kinney was born in Portstewart in 1934 and attended the Belfast College of Art along with Basil Balckshaw, TP Flanagan and Cherith McKinstry. In the 1960s he established Kinney/ Dobson, one of the first graphics agencies in Belfast, which went on to achieve international recognition.
From the 1970s onwards, he specialised in large-scale murals, exhibiting widely in Belfast, Dublin, London and the USA. Working from his family-based studio, Kinney Designs in Belfast, he produced more than 30 glass mosaics, many based on Irish legends. Well-known pieces include the Setanta Wall (1974) off Nassau Street, Dublin, which features stories about the mythological hero Cúchulainn, and ‘Sweeney Astray’, also in Dublin, based on the 1983 poem by Seamus Heaney.
Possibly his best-known mural in Northern Ireland is the huge mosaic situated at the main entrance to the piazza of Derry~Londonderry’s Millennium Forum Theatre. This tessellated Venetian glass mosaic, dating from 2002, depicts the legend of Midir and Etain, one of the most romantic stories in Irish Literature and a fittingly resonant work to mark the theatre space.

Desmond Kinney’s funeral service took place at Roselawn Crematorium in Belfast on 13th September, 2014.

BY ASKEW ONE AND MASER

MURAL ON BROWN THOMAS LANE

BY ASKEW ONE AND MASER

BY ASKEW ONE AND MASER


MURAL ON LITTLE WILLIAM STREET OR BROWN THOMAS LANE [BY ASKEW ONE AND MASER]

While officially Little William Street, it's often called Brown Thomas Lane by Limerick residents due to its location behind the Brown Thomas department store. This is a common phenomenon in cities where landmarks influence informal street names.

New Zealander Askew One collaborated with Irish artist Maser to combine two unique techniques resulting in this amazing mural on Little William Street, Limerick.

Unfortunately, the exact techniques they used aren't specified in the sources I found. However, we can infer they likely involve:

Spray paint: A common medium for both artists.
Stencils: Possibly used by Maser to achieve the clean lines and sharp edges of his geometric designs.
Brushwork: Potentially employed by Askew One for the finer details in the portrait.

This collaboration showcases the creative possibilities when artists from different backgrounds and styles come together. The mural adds vibrancy to Limerick's urban landscape and stands as a testament to the power of public art.

INTRODUCING A NEW APPROACH

NEW GLOBAL MENU FOR PHOTO CENTRIC SITES

IF YOU PREFER IMAGES TO TEXT THIS IS FOR YOU

2024 PHOTO BLOG

WORDPRESS PHOTO BLOG

Commercial Disclosure

You will find links to buy products from Amazon, Google and other partners. If you click on these links, you’ll find that the URL includes a small extra piece of text which identifies that the click came from my websites. This text is an affiliate code, and it means that I get a small percentage of the money you spend if you choose to buy that product, or, in some cases, other products from the site soon after. These affiliate links help pay the costs of producing my websites and ensure that the content is free to you.