Wandering past politically grandiose government buildings in Dublin‘s city centre earlier today, my eye was caught by a rather striking door across the street on the corner of Merrion Square. Its panels glowed blue red through the snow flurries that were billowing from yellowed grey clouds overhead.
Trotting up the steps for a closer inspection, I discovered the door marked Dublin’s year as European Capital of Culture in 1991. The artwork, by Irish artist Shane Johnson, was commissioned by Donal O’Buachalla, owner of the property advising company that operates behind the ornate doorway. The smaller panels gave a nod to the city’s illustrious purveyors of art; musicians, writers, the great theatres …
…while the four main panels celebrated Ireland’s most beloved art forms: Theatre, Music, Literature…
and my favourite, the fine art of Conversation…
…otherwise known as the gift of the gab. We are a nation of storytellers.
Where's my backpack? 