CAG.0292 James Brenan, Committee of Inspection (Weaving, Co. Cork), 1877, oil on canvas, 70 x 90 cm. Presented, Lord Powerscourt.

WORK OF THE WEEK!

Committee of Inspection (Weaving, Co. Cork) (1877) is a typical cottage interior by James Brenan who was known for approaching his subjects with a sympathetic eye.

A half-hidden man works at a loom. In the dim light his weaving is inspected for quality by a man in a top hat and a woman in a bonnet. The two women of the house, wrapped in shawls and with a guarded demeanour, observe the inspection.

James Brenan (1837-1907) was committed to improving the teaching of craft and design. Headmaster of the School of Art from 1860 until 1889, he understood that handmade lace needed to be superior in design and execution than mass produced machine-made lace. At the same time, the Arts and Crafts movement and the Irish Celtic Revival advocated for an emphasis on craftsmanship in reaction to factory-made designs and working conditions.

Lace-making students of Crawford Municipal School of Art, c.1890s

Brenan developed a visiting education scheme in partnership with local convents in Blackrock, Youghal, and Kenmare. Funded by the Department of Science and Art and the Committee of the Cork Exhibition, a collection of old lace was purchased for use in classes. Pieces of this collection were lent to the convents, and changed every month, and classes in drawing and design were established.

For many families experiencing real poverty, this type of work became an important source of income, freeing many women from total dependence on their husband's income, and producing pieces ranging from decorative designs for small handkerchiefs to sophisticated lace wedding dresses and veils for European royalty.

Committee of Inspection (Weaving, Co. Cork) by James Brenan is featured in FOLLOWING THREADS until 28 January.

The Arts House: Conor Tallon chats with curator Michael Waldron about a work from the Collection every Sunday morning on Cork’s 96FM and C103 Cork. 

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