Book launch of A True Record

Marlay House, dating to the 17th/18th centuries, is in the care of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. There is much potential to creatively explore, unravel and interpret the stories of the house. This project explored the role of art as part of a new interpretive programme which includes emotional and creative interpretive responses, personal narratives and multiple viewpoints.

After the working up of a brief, an open call for submissions, and independent adjudication, two artists, Jane Cummins (photographer) and Grace Wilentz (poet) were selected to participate in the initiative. The two artists selected aspects of the house to form the basis of a creative dialogue. Jane Cummins used 19th century photographic techniques and focused on the story of Anne La Touche whose bust sits in the entrance hall. Grace Wilentz’s poems explored the themes of time and memory, chance, devotion, a private home with a public future, and unity coming out of fragmentation.

As well as producing a series of poems, Grace Wilentz also hosted a free 2 hour Zoom poetry workshop – Writing Resilience - for 15 DLR volunteers engaged in a letter-writing initiative. Poems produced during the workshop were gifted to older people in the community to inspire and send strength at a time when many people may be feeling lonely or isolated.