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‘The Irish Rising: a terrible beauty is born’

‘The Irish Rising: a terrible beauty is born’
17 March – 31 July

State Library Victoria

Opening on St. Patrick’s Day, State Library Victoria will host a new exhibition about the tumultuous days of the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin, a pivotal moment in the Irish struggle for independence from Great Britain. Presented in partnership with the University of Melbourne, the display includes:

• A rare copy of the Irish War News, the newspaper containing Pádraig Pearse's first communiqué from the GPO.
• A 1917 reprint of the proclamation of Irish independence, the only known one in Australia.
• A first edition of WB Yeats influential poem 'Easter 1916'.
• Footage of the 1920 St. Patrick's Day Parade where 100,000 Australians demonstrated their support for Irish independence.
• A portrait of Archbishop Daniel Mannix, the leader of the Catholic community in Melbourne who played a significant role in the defeat of Australia's 1916 and 1917 conscription plebiscites

More information: http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/whats-on/irish-rising-terrible-beauty-born

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The Irish Rising curator talks

THURSDAY 17 MARCH 11–11.45am, 6–6.45pm

SATURDAY 9 APRIL 1–1.45pm

TUESDAY 3 MAY 11–11.45am, 6–6.45pm

Join curator Dr Anna Welch in viewing highlights of State Library Victoria’s Irish Rising display. Works include a 1917 reprint of the proclamation of Irish independence; a first edition of WB Yeats’ influential poem ‘Easter 1916’; handcuffs worn by Edmond McGrath, an Irish independence activist imprisoned in England; and footage of the 1920 St Patrick’s Day parade in Melbourne where 100,000 Australians demonstrated their support for Irish independence. Tours are 45 minutes long. Bookings are required.

Bookings: http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/whats-on/curators-talk-irish-rising

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Tours: The Irish Rising

THURSDAY 17 MARCH – SUNDAY 31 JULY

Join one of the free guided tours to find out about rare material and artefacts exploring the Irish context of the Rising and its impact in Australia, where it helped to turn the tide against conscription during World War I. Tours of the Irish Rising display are held from 12.30pm to 1pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, except public holidays.

Find out more: http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/whats-on/tour-irish-rising