This winter, the National Print Museum is delighted to introduce a new label art exhibition from the 1890s to the 1990s. Curated by design historian Niall McCormack, the exhibition will feature vibrant examples of labels for minerals, beers, whiskies, hotels, linens, groceries, pharmacies, matches, charities and political causes.
Many of Ireland’s designers of label art are anonymous artists. It is collections like this one that really preserves their work: their memory lives on in their layouts, in all their lettering, illustration and filigree. Through this exhibition, McCormack aims to encourage people to think about design in Ireland in the early 20th century and how it was more vibrant, diverse and sophisticated than many might imagine.
“In Ireland, sometimes the visual is taken for granted; it is not held in the same esteem as our literary or musical culture or crafts, all of which we are world-class at”.
