Powerscourt, paintings and romance
I have always thoroughly adored Dublin’s Powerscourt Centre. Long before it was ever home to some of my favourite shops and spaces (Circus, The Loft … places where dreams are made :)) I always found it one of the city’s most beautiful areas in which to wander and spend time. The incredible interior combined with the range of stores seems to merge beautifully the Dublin of old and new. The stunning 18th century town mansion lends itself perfectly to the eclectic antiques gallery on the first floor – always worth a visit to see what wonderful ‘new’ gems there are to covet. Why, I can just see Lord Powercourt himself drinking tea from those precious china cups.
Continuing my recent journey of re-discovery through the centre I wandered into the still relatively new Powerscourt Gallery, housed in the original ballroom at the top of the building. As always the Georgian room is beautifully presented with a diverse mix of artwork that offers visitors wonderful musings should you be lucky enough to have the time. Featured artists include Frank Kiely, Ayelet Lalor, Lynn Stringer and James Kenny to name just a few. If you’re not around the city then the gallery is definitely worth the trip on your horse-drawn as many of their stunning pieces are incredibly reasonably priced thus making the beautiful world of art happily more accessible for you and I …
As I contentedly made my way around the gallery I got a wonderful surprise when out of the corner of my eye I spotted a most delightful lone Bolero hanging under one of the paintings. Delicately handmade in a beautiful fabric of autumnal colours the garment was like a piece of art itself. On excited enquiry I was told that this charming design was from ‘Made with Joy’, a new label from Dubliner Joy Lyons. Also made by Joy’s hand, nestled in an array of romantic candles, were truly the most fabulous Valentines sets that I ever had the pleasure of discovering. In matching floral fabrics were handmade sleep masks (or ‘winkies’ as myself and Harriet like to refer to them as – essential in ensuring a lady’s all important beauty sleep) and precious little lavender parcels (to keep your smalls drawer smelling delicate). Finally! A Valentine’s present that is both ladylike and non-fattening … just what Beatrice dreams of receiving from Mr. Darcy. The good news is that Joy makes a number of such original designs exclusively for the gallery so, in much the same vein as The Loft, you are likely to be pleasantly surprised each time you visit.
And the fabulousness of the Powerscourt Gallery doesn’t stop there it seems! Run by the wonderfully imaginative Maria and Lindara, the gallery also holds a number of events and performances throughout the year including plays and poetry readings. Tomorrow (Saturday 5th February) they open their doors to all the junior art & craft lovers with a Valentines Children’s Craft Afternoon where little ones are invited into the gallery to make ‘heart-filled’ personalised gift bags. It’s on between 1.30pm and 4.30pm so any Papas that decide to attend with their clan are sure to receive double points from the Mama’s that are not only set to receive an original Valentine’s gift but will also get a couple of precious hours to themselves ?
See Powerscourt Gallery’s website for all further info – and enjoy!
Beatrice x
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I’ve never ventured into Powerscourt Centre before when in Dublin, will do so next time I’m over.
I feel like indulging in some ‘me time’ and enjoying a lesiurely wander through the entire area which you have described so magically Beatrice.
Sounds just heavenly!
Thanks for such a pretty read.