Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield to Unveil Rare Alfred Downing Fripp Paintings at Museum Founder’s Ball
Fairfield, CT – October 3, 2024– The Ireland's Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield (IGHMF) is proud to announce the acquisition of two rare watercolor paintings by the esteemed English artist Alfred Downing Fripp, RWS (1822-1895). These significant works, titled "Galway Family Preparing Food in a Cottage" and "Irish Mendicants," were painted in 1845 and depict scenes from Ireland during the Great Hunger. The acquisition was made possible through the generous donation of a member of the Gaelic American Club (GAC) and the local Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), who have deep ties to the Irish community and a strong commitment to preserving Irish history and culture.
The paintings will be unveiled at a grand Museum Founder’s Ball to be held at the Gaelic American Club in Fairfield on April 5th, 2025. This event will not only mark the official debut of these remarkable pieces into the museum’s collection but also celebrate the unwavering support and dedication of the local Irish-American community to the mission of the IGHMF.
“These two paintings are invaluable additions to the collection,” said John Foley, President of IGHMF. “Fripp’s work offers a poignant and intimate portrayal of the lives affected by the Great Hunger, and these pieces will serve as a powerful visual testament to the struggles and resilience of the Irish people during one of the most challenging periods in our history.”
The paintings will be moved to the Fairfield University Art Museum’s Walsh Gallery. There they will be included in the exhibition, An Gorta Mór: Selections from Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum, which will open on the evening of April 10th, 2025, further cementing their place in the narrative of Irish history and culture.
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"Galway Family Preparing Food in a Cottage"
Watercolor on paper dated 1845
"Irish Mendicants"
Watercolor on paper dated 1845
The Ireland's Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield expresses its gratitude to the West Cork Arts Center in Skibbereen, Co. Cork, Ireland. This collaboration highlights the opportunities made possible by the recently approved Connecticut-Ireland Trade Commission. Both IGHMF and the West Cork Arts Center are committed to promoting Irish culture on both sides of the Atlantic. They look forward to continued cooperation and to building an Arts and Culture bridge between Connecticut and Ireland.
Senator Bob Duff, who appointed Loretto Horrigan Leary to the Connecticut-Ireland Trade Commission, congratulated the IGHMF team on the recent acquisitions. 'The importance of growing the collection shows the dedication and commitment of the board members of Ireland's Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield to ensure that this historic collection continues to expand and stays in Connecticut to inform and educate the public,' said Duff.
Alfred Downing Fripp was a distinguished watercolorist, recognized for his detailed and emotive representations of rural and pastoral life. His 1845 works, particularly those focusing on Ireland, are of historical significance, capturing the essence of a nation in the throes of famine. The upcoming unveiling will be the first time these paintings are displayed publicly since their creation, offering an extraordinary opportunity for both art lovers and historians.
The Museum Founder’s Ball promises to be an evening of cultural celebration, featuring a traditional Irish dinner, live music, and special guest speakers. Proceeds from the event will go towards the continued development of the Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield, ensuring that future generations have a place to learn about and reflect on this critical chapter in Irish history.
Tickets for the event will be available starting on February 1st, and can be purchased through the IGHMF website or directly at the Gaelic American Club. Members of the GAC, AOH, and the general public are all invited to join in this landmark occasion.
For more information on the Museum Founder’s Ball, the Walsh Museum event, and the unveiling of Alfred Downing Fripp’s paintings, please visit www.ighmf.org or contact the IGHMF at 212-634-8930.
About Ireland's Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield: The Ireland's Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield is dedicated to preserving the memory of the Great Irish Famine (1845-1852) through education, research, and the curation of historical artifacts and art. The museum strives to foster a deeper understanding of the famine's causes, impact, and legacy, ensuring that the stories of those who suffered are not forgotten.
A Project Born from Preservation: The Ireland's Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield traces its origins to the announced transfer of the Great Hunger collection from Quinnipiac University. This pivotal decision set the foundation for the museum’s mission: to ensure that this unparalleled collection of art and artifacts related to Ireland's Great Hunger would continue to be accessible to the public. As the transfer progresses, the museum remains dedicated to preserving and sharing these important pieces, which form the core of its commitment to educate and inspire future generations about this crucial chapter in Irish history.
About The Collection: Quinnipiac University has selected Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield (IGHMF) as the future caretaker and steward of the Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum collection. This collaboration ensures the preservation and promotion of the collection, which memorializes the Great Hunger and its lasting impact. Both institutions remain committed to providing broad public access and educating future generations about this pivotal moment in history.
As the future curator of the collection, IGHMF is honored to carry forward this vital educational mission. Quinnipiac University and IGHMF welcome collaboration to ensure the museum's vibrant future, and your continued support is greatly appreciated. To learn more or to donate to IGHMF.