THIS CROSS REALLY CAUGHT MY ATTENTION
PETER HARBISON RIP 14 January 1939 - 30 MAY 2023 [THIS CROSS REALLY CAUGHT MY ATTENTION]
Dr. Peter Desmond Harbison (14 January 1939 – 30 May 2023) was a highly distinguished Irish archaeologist, art historian, and author, who made a profound contribution to the understanding and popularisation of Irish heritage.
His connection to Glasnevin specifically relates to his deep commitment to one of Ireland's most important historical sites.
🏛️ Peter Harbison and the Glasnevin Cemetery Trust
Trust Involvement: Peter Harbison was a dedicated member of the Glasnevin Cemetery Trust (now the Dublin Cemeteries Trust) starting in 1973.
Leadership: He served two terms as the Chairperson of the Trust.
Key Achievement (Glasnevin Museum): Crucially, he was instrumental in developing the Trust's master plan and presentation for the creation of the Glasnevin Cemetery Museum. This museum has since become a central feature for interpreting Irish history and memory through the stories of those buried in the cemetery.
📜 Major Contributions to Irish Archaeology and History
While his work with Glasnevin was significant, Harbison is primarily celebrated for his monumental academic and popular publications. He was an incredibly prolific writer, publishing over 36 books and countless articles.
Archaeologist for Bord Fáilte (Irish Tourist Board): From 1966, he served as the archaeologist for Bord Fáilte, and was the editor of its flagship magazine, "Ireland of the Welcomes", for ten years (1986–1996). This role made him a brilliant and effective communicator, blending serious scholarship with broad public outreach to promote cultural tourism.
The High Crosses: His most important scholarly work is often considered his three-volume study, The High Crosses of Ireland: An Iconographical and Photographic Survey (1992), which is the definitive reference on the subject.
Guidebook Pioneer: His most influential popular work was arguably the Guide to the National Monuments of Ireland (first published 1970). This book made Ireland's ancient and medieval sites accessible to a generation of locals and tourists, elevating public awareness of Irish archaeology.
Other Key Works: His vast bibliography also includes major titles like:
Pre-Christian Ireland: From the First Settlers to the Early Celts (1988)
The Golden Age of Irish Art: The Medieval Achievement 600-1200 (1999)
Ireland's Treasures: 5000 Years of Artistic Expression (2004)
🎓 Academic Recognition and Legacy
Education: He earned his BA in Early Irish History and Archaeology from University College Dublin (UCD) and a PhD in Celtic archaeology from the University of Marburg, Germany, in 1964.
Honours: He was elected a Member of the Royal Irish Academy (RIA) in 1979, was an Honorary Fellow of Trinity College Dublin (TCD), and was Professor of Archaeology at the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA).
Communicator: He was widely respected as one of those rare scholars who could move "effortlessly between the conference hall and the parish hall," making complex historical and archaeological topics engaging for all audiences.
He passed away in Dublin on 30 May 2023 at the age of 84, leaving behind a rich and lasting legacy in Irish cultural studies.
Dr. Peter Desmond Harbison (14 January 1939 – 30 May 2023) was a highly distinguished Irish archaeologist, art historian, and author, who made a profound contribution to the understanding and popularisation of Irish heritage.
His connection to Glasnevin specifically relates to his deep commitment to one of Ireland's most important historical sites.
🏛️ Peter Harbison and the Glasnevin Cemetery Trust
Trust Involvement: Peter Harbison was a dedicated member of the Glasnevin Cemetery Trust (now the Dublin Cemeteries Trust) starting in 1973.
Leadership: He served two terms as the Chairperson of the Trust.
Key Achievement (Glasnevin Museum): Crucially, he was instrumental in developing the Trust's master plan and presentation for the creation of the Glasnevin Cemetery Museum. This museum has since become a central feature for interpreting Irish history and memory through the stories of those buried in the cemetery.
📜 Major Contributions to Irish Archaeology and History
While his work with Glasnevin was significant, Harbison is primarily celebrated for his monumental academic and popular publications. He was an incredibly prolific writer, publishing over 36 books and countless articles.
Archaeologist for Bord Fáilte (Irish Tourist Board): From 1966, he served as the archaeologist for Bord Fáilte, and was the editor of its flagship magazine, "Ireland of the Welcomes", for ten years (1986–1996). This role made him a brilliant and effective communicator, blending serious scholarship with broad public outreach to promote cultural tourism.
The High Crosses: His most important scholarly work is often considered his three-volume study, The High Crosses of Ireland: An Iconographical and Photographic Survey (1992), which is the definitive reference on the subject.
Guidebook Pioneer: His most influential popular work was arguably the Guide to the National Monuments of Ireland (first published 1970). This book made Ireland's ancient and medieval sites accessible to a generation of locals and tourists, elevating public awareness of Irish archaeology.
Other Key Works: His vast bibliography also includes major titles like:
Pre-Christian Ireland: From the First Settlers to the Early Celts (1988)
The Golden Age of Irish Art: The Medieval Achievement 600-1200 (1999)
Ireland's Treasures: 5000 Years of Artistic Expression (2004)
🎓 Academic Recognition and Legacy
Education: He earned his BA in Early Irish History and Archaeology from University College Dublin (UCD) and a PhD in Celtic archaeology from the University of Marburg, Germany, in 1964.
Honours: He was elected a Member of the Royal Irish Academy (RIA) in 1979, was an Honorary Fellow of Trinity College Dublin (TCD), and was Professor of Archaeology at the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA).
Communicator: He was widely respected as one of those rare scholars who could move "effortlessly between the conference hall and the parish hall," making complex historical and archaeological topics engaging for all audiences.
He passed away in Dublin on 30 May 2023 at the age of 84, leaving behind a rich and lasting legacy in Irish cultural studies.
PETER HARBISON RIP