The National Gallery of Ireland has been given a wonderful gift of of ten superb original colour illustrations by Harry Clarke (1889-1931) which were executed for Hans Christian Andersen’s ‘The Fairy Tales’, published in 1916 by Harrap & Co. in London. The jewel-like colour illustrations, all in pristine condition, have been in a private collection since the 1920s. They were recently purchased and presented as a gift to the National Gallery by Lochlann and Brenda Quinn.
As part of the Gallery’s Summer Lecture series celebrating the acquisition of these wonderful illustrations, PJ Lynch will be giving a talk on “The Technique of Illustrating Hans Christian Andersen’s ‘Fairy Tales’”, with particular regard to the Clarke paintings of course on Tuesday 16th June 10.30am.
Talks are free and take place in the National Gallery’s lecture theatre. No booking required. For information, contact Education: 01 663 3505
So if any of you are up and about in Dublin early next Tuesday, do come along.

Some recent from Illustrators Ireland  member, Alé Mercado. The broadsheet #9, it’s printed in two inks (black and a fluorescent pink) on uncoated stock. It is fully illustrated using digital techniques to resemble charcoal and scraperboard drawings. The Broadsheet series are directed by Mary Butler and coordinated by Niamh Finn in the Arts Office Kilkenny County Council. This year’s editor was Yvonne Cullen. (more…)

The National Gallery is running a short illustration course for teenagers, put together by this year’s participants on their Transition Year Programme and inspired by the current exhibition of Harry Clarke’s illustrations. Participants will get to work with professional illustrators to develop their skills of storytelling through art, looking at sequential drawing, storyboarding, comic books, graphic novels and other illustrative styles. They will also visit the Print Room in the Gallery to see examples of illustrations in the national collection that are rarely on display, as well as visiting the Harry Clarke exhibition. There are 2 courses for age groups 11-14 & 15-18.
They are currently running a competition for a free place on both courses, more information on the courses and how to enter on nationalgallery.ie

The G’sQ is a new quarterly magazine concern on illustration and illustrators showing their ways of life, studios, workspaces, pets, meals, and, of course, their work. Check it out here.

NCAD College in Dublin is currently showing its latest design graduates. Here’s some examples of the illustration work. (more…)

Once again we’re showcasing the latest work created by members of the Illustrators Guild of Ireland. Each member has submitted one of their favourite illustrations from the previous month, either commissioned or personal. Follow the link below to see all this month’s entries. (more…)

Many of you may already have seen Will St Leger’s work already, but to find out a bit more about him  and what he’s up to, Scamp sent Kirsty Matthewson along to meet him.

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Summer Edition 2009, the first event of its kind in Dublin, is a day long fair where over 30 exhibitors from across the spectrum of artist’s books, comics and zines will get together to showcase their work. With selections ranging from minicomic artists and burgeoning cartoonists to established artists’ book practitioners, from poets to printmakers, and from lowbrow artists to zine scribblers, there’s something for everyone. Prices range from €1 to €100. Peruse the stalls, take part in a workshop, pick up some handcrafted goodies and let the books blow your mind. Summer Edition 2009 is the first Edition event, a new endeavour celebrating the craft of the book and independent publishing via artists’ books, comics and zines and all stops in between.
For more information go to www.editionbookarts.com
Summer Edition 2009: An Artist’s book, Comic and Zine Fair. Saturday 4th July, 11am – 5pm. Filmbase, Temple Bar, Dublin. Free Entry!

The Ark Project is an illustrated animal bible by 200 artists from all over the world. Just like Noah saved the animal species in his ark, this project rescues the ones surrounding us today inside this book, thanks to some of the most important visual artists, illustrators and contemporary designers around today. The idea was to create an animal bible showing the different species around the globe through the eyes of local artists. Each one of the 200 participating artists, was selected because of their unique skills and vision of the world. (more…)

National College of Art and Design 3rd year fine art print students showcase a selection of their work in the Cross Gallery, 58 Francis Street, Dublin 8. Runs from 6-8 on Wednesday, 03 June and 10-5 Thursday.