LILY AND LOLLY YEATS
A PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART TRIBUTE TO LILY AND LOLLY YEATS [LOCATED NEAR ST NAHI'S CHURCH]
Lily and Lolly Yeats: Life, Work, and Family Connections
Lily (Susan) Yeats (1866-1949) and Lolly (Elizabeth) Yeats (1868-1940) were integral figures in the Irish Arts and Crafts movement. Sisters of the renowned poet William Butler Yeats and artist Jack Butler Yeats, they were born into a highly creative family. Their parents were John Butler Yeats, an artist, and Susan Yeats (née Pollexfen). The family's history encompassed periods in Ireland (Sligo, Dublin) and England (London), and they faced financial hardships, which spurred the sisters to become industrious.
The artistic and literary atmosphere of their family significantly influenced their creative paths. They were exposed to the Arts and Crafts movement, notably through connections with figures like William Morris.
Their contributions are particularly evident in Dundrum, County Dublin:
Dun Emer and Cuala: The sisters were deeply involved in the Dun Emer Industries, founded in Dundrum in 1902. Dun Emer was a crafts collective that aimed to produce beautiful Irish-made goods.
Following a separation from Dun Emer, they established the Cuala Press and Cuala Industries in nearby Churchtown. Lily specialised in embroidery, while Lolly focused on printing and art teaching.
St. Nahi's Church:
Lily and Lolly Yeats are interred in the graveyard of St. Nahi's Church in Dundrum, marking their final resting place.
Within St. Nahi's Church, they created altar tapestries, showcasing their artistic skills.
Artistic Contributions:
Lily's expertise in embroidery was highly regarded, and she worked with notable figures in the Arts and Crafts movement.
Lolly's work in printing, particularly with the Cuala Press, contributed significantly to the Irish literary revival, publishing works by their brother W.B. Yeats and other Irish writers.
Their work was a large contribution to the Irish cultural and literary revival. They where both very talented women, who made great contributions to the arts and crafts movement.
GREEN OPAL SERPENTINE STONE
THE FAMILY BY WILLIAM W CHEWA [GREEN OPAL SERPENTINE STONE]
Holy Cross Church in Dundrum, in preparation for the 2018 World Meeting of Families in Dublin, underwent a significant restoration, including the creation of a new Pastoral Centre. To commemorate this event, the parish acquired a modern sculpture by Zimbabwean artist William W. Chewa. Originally titled "The Christian Family" (2015), and carved from Green Opal, a type of Serpentine stone, the piece now bears a bronze plaque stating "The Family (2016)". It remains unclear whether this signifies a renaming or the existence of multiple copies.
William W. Chewa, renowned for his expressive stone carvings, began his artistic journey in Zimbabwe at a young age. His work often reflects the essence of human connection, and "The Family" is no exception, capturing the love and unity inherent within familial bonds. Green Opal, chosen for its vibrant hue and workable texture, is commonly used in Zimbabwean sculpture. The intricate process of shaping this stone involves specialised tools, resulting in detailed and visually appealing forms. The sculpture's verdant colour further enhances its symbolic meaning, aligning perfectly with the World Meeting of Families' theme, "The Gospel of the Family: Joy for the World."
This piece, prominently displayed in the church grounds near Emmaus House, serves as a permanent reminder of the centrality of love within the Christian family. Its acquisition was facilitated by Fr. Kieran, demonstrating the community's dedication to celebrating family life.
The World Meeting of Families itself serves several vital purposes: strengthening families through resources and support, promoting the Gospel of the Family, fostering dialogue and understanding between diverse families, and celebrating the beauty and importance of family life. This event, like Chewa's sculpture, underscores the family as a source of love, support, and joy.
HOLY CROSS CHURCH
THE HOLY CROSS CHURCH IN DUNDRUM [ORIGINALLY CONSTRUCTED 1878]
Notably, Blessed Columba Marmion served as a curate in the church from 1881 to 1882.
Holy Cross Church in Dundrum, Dublin, stands as a testament to the evolving nature of community and faith. Originally constructed in 1878, replacing an earlier chapel from 1837, the church has witnessed significant transformations. Architect G.C. Ashlin designed the initial structure, and the parish of Dundrum was subsequently established, separating from the larger Booterstown parish. A mid-20th-century expansion in 1956 substantially increased the church's size, reflecting the growing local population. Notably, Blessed Columba Marmion served as a curate here from 1881 to 1882, adding to the church's historical significance.
However, the church's current interior appearance is primarily the result of a comprehensive refurbishment project completed in recent years, approximately around 2016 and 2017. This extensive renovation, born from an architectural competition, dramatically modernised the interior, creating a bright and welcoming space. The project included the construction of new parish offices and a pastoral centre, integrating modern facilities with the existing historical structure. Furthermore, the choir balcony was extended, the organ restored and upgraded, and the baptismal area relocated to the centre of the church, symbolising its central role in the community. This blending of historical architecture with contemporary design reflects the parish's commitment to providing accessible and functional spaces, ensuring Holy Cross Church remains a vibrant and relevant focal point for the Dundrum community.
DUNDRUM TRAM STOP
DUNDRUM LUAS TRAM STOP AND THE WILLIAM DARGAN SUSPENSION BRIDGE [4 MARCH 2025]
Dundrum Luas Stop and the William Dargan Suspension Bridge:
The Dundrum Luas stop is a vital component of Dublin's Luas Green Line, serving the bustling suburban area of Dundrum. It provides seamless access to Dublin city centre and other key locations along the line.
A defining feature of the Dundrum stop area is the William Dargan Suspension Bridge. This modern, cable-stayed pedestrian bridge spans the busy Taney Road junction, enhancing pedestrian connectivity and safety. It's named after the renowned Irish railway engineer, William Dargan, who played a pivotal role in Ireland's railway development.
The Luas stop itself is a contemporary facility, designed for accessibility and efficiency, featuring standard Luas amenities such as ticket machines, real-time passenger information displays, and cycle parking. The bridge is a visual landmark, contributing to the modern infrastructure of the area. The stop is also served by many Dublin bus routes, and also Dublin coach routes.
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