Seán Canney TD, Minister for the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief, today (6 April 2017) welcomed the opening of this significant international exhibition at Farmleigh.
This is a unique collaboration between the Office of Public Works, The Royal Parks and the Hearsum Gallery that chronicles, for the first time ever, the rich history of these breath-taking parks, spanning over three centuries. The international exhibition showcases artefacts, images, maps and paintings detailing the fascinating shared history between The Royal Parks and The Phoenix Park from their creation up to the present day.
Minister Canney said, “This wonderful exhibition explores and celebrates our shared parks heritage on both sides of the Irish Sea. It demonstrates the commitment of the Office of Public Works, the Hearsum Collection and the Royal Parks to deepening and enriching the public’s understanding of these beautiful parks including Phoenix Park, while meeting the everyday demands and pressures of the 21st century. The historic landscape of the Phoenix Park is of international significance, being one of the largest designed parks in any European city. It is a magnificent amenity for the ten million people who enjoy it annually, be its rich culture, heritage or nature. This international exhibition is certainly a must see exhibition for young and old alike.”
Loyd Grossman CBE, Chairman of The Royal Parks, said: “The Royal Parks and The Phoenix Park share a fascinating history which is being brought together through this exciting new exhibition. This is a great opportunity for our two countries to bond over our love of heritage, which for us stretches back hundreds of years from royal hunting grounds to the magnificent urban open spaces we see today. This collection brings that rich history to life, providing a glimpse of what makes these parks among the best in the world. I’m grateful to both the Hearsum Collection and the Office of Public Works in Ireland for collating exhibits from around the globe to create this exhibition, which I hope inspires visitors to enjoy and appreciate our parks on both sides of the water.”
The exhibition focusses on the following Park themes: – early years and formation, celebration and commemoration, people at play, military and the war years and park management. All of London’s royal parks, including St. James’s Park, Richmond Park, Bushy Park, Greenwich Park, Green Park, Hyde Park, Regent’s Park and Kensington Gardens are showcased alongside the Phoenix Park. The Exhibition will transfer to the Mall Galleries in London in July 2017.