Page number 2
A stamp on history On 23 February, An Post issued two new stamps (one domestic and one international) featuring designs from the Book of Kells . Both stamps feature lions, a recurring emblem in the Book of Kells whose origins date back to monks of the Columban order in 800AD, and whose residency in the Old Library began in 1661 when it was donated to the college by Bishop Henry Jones. Just one of the many symbols in the vividly illustrated medieval manuscript, the lion represents Christ and the Resurrection. As the Old Library enters a period of change, the symbol of the lion serves as a reminder of Trinity’s longevity. Featuring in An Post’s ‘A Stamp for Ireland’ series for St Patricks Day, the stamps, designed by leading Dublin design studio Red&Grey, vibrantly draw the past into the present, and are a timely celebration of Irish culture. Speaking at the launch of the stamps, librarian Helen Shenton expressed enthusiasm for both the inclusion of the Book of Kells illustrations in the series and the promotion of Irish culture and heritage nationally and internationally. The stamps are available by clicking here or at select post offices.
Page number 3
Preservation & progress The first sculptures of women have been launched in Trinity’s Old Library to honour trailblazing female scholars, marking a step towards greater diversity in the college’s public spaces The Long Room gained four fresh new faces on St Brigid’s day this year when the newest sculptures were launched by Trinity Chancellor Mary McAleese alongside Provost Linda Doyle, Librarian Helen Shenton, and Curator Catherine Giltrap. Crafted by artists Maudie Brady, Rowan Gillespie, Vera Klute and Guy Reid, this group of sculptures is a significant addition to the Long Room’s 40 strong collection as they are the first sculptures of female historical figures to be added. Sculptures of Rosalind Franklin (Vera Klute), Augusta Gregory (Guy Reid), Ada Lovelace (Maudie Brady) and Mary Wollstonecraft (Rowan Gillespie) were commissioned in 2021 having been selected the previous year through a college-wide nomination process. This was the first time in over one hundred years that new sculptures had been commissioned for the Long Room. The installation of these sculptures in Trinity’s Old Library is representative of the new chapter that Trinity has entered, which was also highlighted in 2021 with the election of Dr Linda Doyle as Provost - the first woman to hold the role in the college’s 430-year history. Speaking at the launch, Chancellor McAleese, a trailblazer in the field of law and the second female President of Ireland, spoke poignantly in recognition of the women who came before. Helen Shenton noted the occasion of St Brigid’s Day, marked for the first time this year as a public holiday, as suitably significant for the event. With these sculptures, Trinity sets in stone its commitment to acknowledging and celebrating women across all faculties of academia and brings into focus the importance of gender equality on campus.
