Plaque Unveiled to Mark Birthplace and Home of Artist Mary Swanzy

Dublin, 23rd May 2026 — Dublin City Council today marked the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at 23 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, honouring the birthplace and home of pioneering Irish artist Mary Swanzy, one of the most important figures in the development of modern Irish art.

Born in Dublin in 1882, Swanzy became renowned for her distinctive modernist style and her role in introducing avant-garde artistic influences to Ireland during the early twentieth century. Working across portraiture, landscapes and abstract compositions, her work drew inspiration from Cubism, Fauvism and Expressionism, while also reflecting the cultures and landscapes she encountered during her extensive travels in Europe and the Pacific.

Swanzy studied at the Dublin Metropolitan School of Art before continuing her training in Paris, where she was exposed to the leading artistic movements of the era. Her bold use of colour, innovative composition and experimental approach established her as a groundbreaking figure within Irish art, despite often working outside the mainstream artistic establishment of her time.

Her work is held in major public and private collections, including the National Gallery of Ireland, and she is widely recognised today as one of Ireland’s foremost modernist painters.

Speaking at the unveiling, Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Ray McAdam said, “It is a privilege to honour Mary Swanzy at the very place where her remarkable artistic journey began. Mary Swanzy represented the very best of Dublin, creativity, confidence, curiosity, internationalism and independence of thought. At a time when women artists were too often overlooked, she challenged convention, travelled the world and helped shape the story of modern art in Ireland. This plaque ensures that future generations will remember and celebrate one of Dublin’s great cultural pioneers in the heart of the city she called home.”

Among the speakers at the unveiling were Robin Tullo, grandnephew of Mary Swanzy; Dr. Patrick J Murphy, former Chairperson of Arts Council and a friend of Mary Swanzy; Dr. Caroline Campbell, Director of the National Gallery of Ireland, and Seán Kissane, Curator Irish Museum of Modern Art.

The decision to erect the plaque was made by the Dublin City Council Commemorations & Naming Committee, whose chair, Councillor Donna Cooney, said, “The Commemorative Plaques Scheme allows the City to formally commemorate people who have made a significant contribution to the life of Dublin. We welcome suggestions from the public for people and events to be commemorated. Full details are on the Council website. Today’s unveiling marks the 77th plaque approved under the scheme.”

Today’s unveiling marks the latest addition to Dublin City Council’s commemorative plaques scheme, which honours individuals, organisations and events that have made a unique and significant contribution to the life and history of Dublin.

ENDS

Notes:

Dublin City Council's Commemorative Plaques Scheme is intended to facilitate the formal commemoration of people, organisations, and events that have made a unique and significant contribution to the life or history of Dublin through outstanding achievement, distinctive service or significant community contribution.

Proposals to commemorate living persons will not be considered. Nominees will have to have died at least 20 years previously or have passed the centenary of their birth, whichever is earlier.

Members of the public can propose a commemorative plaque on the official form. Full details, including the application form and the list of plaques erected so far, can be found at www.plaquesofdublin.ie