Exhibition: Robert Wyse Jackson – A Renaissance Man in Cashel

Robert Wyse Jackson (1908–1976) was a cleric, artist, author, and local historian who gave up a career as a barrister in London to join the church, serving as Dean of Cashel from 1942 to 1961, and Bishop of Limerick, Ardfert and Aghadoe from 1961 until his retirement in 1971.

A noted exponent in watercolour, his paintings typically illustrate views of a long-lost rural Ireland, from cottages on the Dingle Peninsula where he holidayed to castles and churches, including buildings and medieval carvings in Cashel, Fethard and Kilkenny. His black and white ink drawings and cartoons were produced to illustrate his various publications including those in the Trinity magazine The College Pen and his articles in the Church of Ireland Gazette of which he was a long-term correspondent.

Author of many books, pamphlets, and journal articles, his most important were his assessments of the life and work of Jonathan Swift, his local histories of Limerick and Kilkenny, and his output on Irish silver with an emphasis on church plate.

This exhibition draws together examples of his creative work dating from the 1940s until late in his life and includes paintings, books and other publications, and personal items. Patrick Wyse Jackson, Robert’s son, will give a talk about his father’s work on Thursday 15th September at 3 pm in the Chapter House, John Street.

Admission: Free