An exhibition of items donated by the Friends of the National Collections of Ireland to the Irish Architectural Archive

The Friends of the National Collections of Ireland (FNCI) is a charitable body formed in 1924 by the painter Sarah Purser and a group of friends for the purpose of acquiring works of art and objects of historical interest and donating them to national and regional collecting institutions throughout Ireland for the education and enjoyment of the public. In the century since its establishment, the FNCI has presented over 800 works, dating from the 14th century to the present day, to dozens of organisations throughout the island of Ireland.

One of the institutions to benefit over the years from the FNCI’s generosity has been the Irish Architectural Archive. On more than twenty occasions, beginning in 1981, the FNCI has assisted the IAA in adding important material to its collections.  Items acquired with FNCI assistance have included architectural models, drawings, and engravings, and range in date from the mid-eighteenth to the late-twentieth centuries.

This exhibition is part of a national programme of events celebrating the centenary of the foundation of the FNCI. It presents a selection of the rich and diverse material added to the IAA’s holdings, and hence kept in Ireland and made publicly accessible, thanks directly to the efforts of what is Ireland’s oldest arts charity.

For more information on the activities of the Friends of the National Collections of Ireland, or to join or support the FNCI, visit www.fnci.ie.