AN INTERESTING AND COMPLEX STORY
The Three Graces, daughters of Zeus in the classical world, symbolise youth, mirth and elegance. Here the three female forms represent domestic chores, appropriate for the façade of St Mary’s College of Domestic Science, a college for “women’s work”, now TU Dublin’s Cathal Brugha Street campus.
"The Three Graces" by Gabriel Hayes (1943)
Location: The limestone sculpture "The Three Graces" is prominently displayed on the curved corner of the Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) campus on Cathal Brugha Street, Dublin 1.
Description: The sculpture depicts three female figures engaged in domestic chores: sweeping, spinning, and sewing. These graceful figures represent an allegorical representation of the activities traditionally associated with women's work. They were fitting for the building's original purpose as St. Mary's College of Domestic Science, a college dedicated to "women's work."
Artist: Gabriel Hayes (1909-1978) was a renowned Irish artist who worked across various disciplines, including sculpture, painting, illustration, and design. She is also known for designing the Irish penny, halfpenny, and twopence coins. Hayes used three of her friends as models for "The Three Graces."
Historical Context: The sculpture was commissioned for the newly completed College of Domestic Science in 1943. It reflects the societal norms and expectations of women's roles at the time, as well as the importance placed on domestic skills and education.
Artistic Style: The sculpture is considered to be in the Art Deco style, popular in the early 20th century. It features stylised figures with smooth, flowing lines and a focus on elegance and grace.
Significance: "The Three Graces" is a significant public artwork in Dublin, representing a specific moment in Irish history and social values. It also serves as a testament to Gabriel Hayes' artistic talent and her contribution to Irish art.
There is a background story involving the local Archbishop of Dublin, John Charles McQuaid, and his objections to Gabriel Hayes' "The Three Graces."
McQuaid, known for his conservative views, took issue with the sculpture on moral grounds. He found the depiction of the women's figures too revealing and suggestive, deeming them inappropriate for public display, especially in a location associated with a Catholic institution.
Despite McQuaid's objections, the sculpture was ultimately installed as planned. This was likely due to the support of the college authorities and the wider artistic community, who recognised the artistic merit and cultural significance of the work.
The controversy surrounding "The Three Graces" reflects the tensions between conservative religious values and the changing social landscape of Ireland in the mid-20th century. It also highlights the challenges faced by female artists like Gabriel Hayes, who often had to navigate societal expectations and gender biases in their work.
The sculpture remains a point of interest and discussion today. It serves as a reminder of a time when artistic expression was often subject to moral scrutiny and censorship, and it stands as a testament to the resilience of artistic vision in the face of opposition.
Cathal Brugha Street Building: A Legacy of Culinary and Domestic Arts Education
History:
Construction and Early Years: The building on Cathal Brugha Street was completed in 1939. It initially served as the College of Catering, offering training in culinary arts and hospitality.
St. Mary's College of Domestic Science: In 1941, the building became home to St. Mary's College of Domestic Science, focusing on educating women in various domestic skills such as cooking, dressmaking, and housekeeping. Gabriel Hayes' controversial sculpture, "The Three Graces," was commissioned in 1943 to adorn the building's façade.
Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT): In the subsequent decades, the institution evolved, expanding its programs and eventually becoming part of the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT). It remained a hub for culinary arts, hospitality management, and related disciplines.
Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin): With the establishment of TU Dublin in 2019, the building continued to play a vital role in the university's educational offerings.
Current Status:
As of 2021, the building is currently unoccupied. With the completion of the new TU Dublin campus at Grangegorman, all academic activities and students have been relocated to the state-of-the-art facilities there.
Future Plans:
The future of the Cathal Brugha Street building remains uncertain. While there have been discussions about potential uses, no concrete plans have been finalised. Some possibilities include:
Redevelopment for Educational Purposes: TU Dublin may repurpose the building for other educational programs or administrative functions.
Commercial or Residential Conversion: The building could be converted into commercial spaces, offices, or residential apartments, given its prime location in Dublin city centre.
Cultural or Community Use: There have been suggestions to transform the building into a cultural centre, museum, or community space.
Challenges and Considerations:
Any future development of the building must consider several factors, including:
Protected Structure Status: The building's architectural and historical significance may impose restrictions on alterations and renovations.
Financial Feasibility: Repurposing the building could require substantial investment, and securing funding might be a challenge.
Community Input: The local community and stakeholders may have strong opinions about the building's future use, and their input should be considered in any decision-making process.
The Cathal Brugha Street building stands as a testament to Dublin's educational and social history. Its future remains open, but the potential for adaptive reuse offers exciting possibilities for preserving its legacy while contributing to the city's ongoing development.
"The Three Graces" by Gabriel Hayes (1943)
Location: The limestone sculpture "The Three Graces" is prominently displayed on the curved corner of the Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) campus on Cathal Brugha Street, Dublin 1.
Description: The sculpture depicts three female figures engaged in domestic chores: sweeping, spinning, and sewing. These graceful figures represent an allegorical representation of the activities traditionally associated with women's work. They were fitting for the building's original purpose as St. Mary's College of Domestic Science, a college dedicated to "women's work."
Artist: Gabriel Hayes (1909-1978) was a renowned Irish artist who worked across various disciplines, including sculpture, painting, illustration, and design. She is also known for designing the Irish penny, halfpenny, and twopence coins. Hayes used three of her friends as models for "The Three Graces."
Historical Context: The sculpture was commissioned for the newly completed College of Domestic Science in 1943. It reflects the societal norms and expectations of women's roles at the time, as well as the importance placed on domestic skills and education.
Artistic Style: The sculpture is considered to be in the Art Deco style, popular in the early 20th century. It features stylised figures with smooth, flowing lines and a focus on elegance and grace.
Significance: "The Three Graces" is a significant public artwork in Dublin, representing a specific moment in Irish history and social values. It also serves as a testament to Gabriel Hayes' artistic talent and her contribution to Irish art.
There is a background story involving the local Archbishop of Dublin, John Charles McQuaid, and his objections to Gabriel Hayes' "The Three Graces."
McQuaid, known for his conservative views, took issue with the sculpture on moral grounds. He found the depiction of the women's figures too revealing and suggestive, deeming them inappropriate for public display, especially in a location associated with a Catholic institution.
Despite McQuaid's objections, the sculpture was ultimately installed as planned. This was likely due to the support of the college authorities and the wider artistic community, who recognised the artistic merit and cultural significance of the work.
The controversy surrounding "The Three Graces" reflects the tensions between conservative religious values and the changing social landscape of Ireland in the mid-20th century. It also highlights the challenges faced by female artists like Gabriel Hayes, who often had to navigate societal expectations and gender biases in their work.
The sculpture remains a point of interest and discussion today. It serves as a reminder of a time when artistic expression was often subject to moral scrutiny and censorship, and it stands as a testament to the resilience of artistic vision in the face of opposition.
Cathal Brugha Street Building: A Legacy of Culinary and Domestic Arts Education
History:
Construction and Early Years: The building on Cathal Brugha Street was completed in 1939. It initially served as the College of Catering, offering training in culinary arts and hospitality.
St. Mary's College of Domestic Science: In 1941, the building became home to St. Mary's College of Domestic Science, focusing on educating women in various domestic skills such as cooking, dressmaking, and housekeeping. Gabriel Hayes' controversial sculpture, "The Three Graces," was commissioned in 1943 to adorn the building's façade.
Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT): In the subsequent decades, the institution evolved, expanding its programs and eventually becoming part of the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT). It remained a hub for culinary arts, hospitality management, and related disciplines.
Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin): With the establishment of TU Dublin in 2019, the building continued to play a vital role in the university's educational offerings.
Current Status:
As of 2021, the building is currently unoccupied. With the completion of the new TU Dublin campus at Grangegorman, all academic activities and students have been relocated to the state-of-the-art facilities there.
Future Plans:
The future of the Cathal Brugha Street building remains uncertain. While there have been discussions about potential uses, no concrete plans have been finalised. Some possibilities include:
Redevelopment for Educational Purposes: TU Dublin may repurpose the building for other educational programs or administrative functions.
Commercial or Residential Conversion: The building could be converted into commercial spaces, offices, or residential apartments, given its prime location in Dublin city centre.
Cultural or Community Use: There have been suggestions to transform the building into a cultural centre, museum, or community space.
Challenges and Considerations:
Any future development of the building must consider several factors, including:
Protected Structure Status: The building's architectural and historical significance may impose restrictions on alterations and renovations.
Financial Feasibility: Repurposing the building could require substantial investment, and securing funding might be a challenge.
Community Input: The local community and stakeholders may have strong opinions about the building's future use, and their input should be considered in any decision-making process.
The Cathal Brugha Street building stands as a testament to Dublin's educational and social history. Its future remains open, but the potential for adaptive reuse offers exciting possibilities for preserving its legacy while contributing to the city's ongoing development.
AN INTERESTING AND COMPLEX STORY