New Exhibition at dlr LexIcon Celebrates the Yeats Sisters and Irish Design Legacy

New Exhibition at dlr LexIcon Celebrates the Yeats Sisters and Irish Design Legacy

dlr Libraries has officially launched a major new exhibition at dlr LexIcon, celebrating the legacy of the Yeats sisters and their influence on Irish design, identity, and cultural heritage.

Titled ‘The Yeats Sisters & Irish Design: Making, Identities & Legacies’, the exhibition runs from Wednesday 30 July to Sunday 31 August on Level 3 of dlr LexIcon. The event is free and open to all, with no booking required.

Developed in partnership with the Cuala Press Project at Trinity College Dublin, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Yeats Sisters Commemoration Project, the exhibition honours the global impact of Elizabeth and Susan (Lily) Yeats, pioneers of the Arts and Crafts movement in early 20th-century Ireland.

Speaking at the launch, Cllr Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, said:

“This exhibition is a celebration not only of Irish design heritage but also of the power of community collaboration. It brings together artists, historians, and local creatives to reflect on the legacy of the Yeats sisters and how their work continues to inspire today. It’s a wonderful example of how culture connects us and strengthens our sense of place.”

 

The exhibition also features a companion display by the Irish Guild of Embroiderers, showcasing contemporary interpretations of the iconic Cuala pressmark: a lone tree in an Irish landscape. These works reflect the creativity and craftsmanship thriving in communities across the county.

Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, also highlighted the Council’s broader vision:

“This exhibition reflects the Council’s strategic investment in cultural infrastructure and our commitment to making high-quality, accessible programming available to all. dlr LexIcon continues to serve as a dynamic civic space where heritage, creativity, and innovation intersect.”

This collaborative exhibition underscores the Council’s dual commitment to celebrating community creativity and investing in cultural spaces that enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike.