Michael Waldron
@michaelwaldron.bsky.social
PhD | Curator @crawfordartgallery.bsky.social | Deputy Chair, Sample-Studios | Not the MCU guy | Art, literature, collections, diversity… oh and cats. #TransLivesMatter 🏳️⚧️ He/him 🏳️🌈🇪🇺🇮🇪
Dr J. A. “Gus” Ryan died #onthisday in 1974, the day before President Erskine H. Childers.
He was Director of the Cork Blood Bank and my grandfather, although his early death meant I never got to meet him. He is still spoken of with such love and admiration.
He was Director of the Cork Blood Bank and my grandfather, although his early death meant I never got to meet him. He is still spoken of with such love and admiration.
November 16, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Dr J. A. “Gus” Ryan died #onthisday in 1974, the day before President Erskine H. Childers.
He was Director of the Cork Blood Bank and my grandfather, although his early death meant I never got to meet him. He is still spoken of with such love and admiration.
He was Director of the Cork Blood Bank and my grandfather, although his early death meant I never got to meet him. He is still spoken of with such love and admiration.
The new bridge at Lambley’s Lane and Wandesford Quay / Crosse’s Green is a really great addition to the riverine landscape and urban mobility.
Now, that elusive Events Centre…
Now, that elusive Events Centre…
November 15, 2025 at 5:57 PM
The new bridge at Lambley’s Lane and Wandesford Quay / Crosse’s Green is a really great addition to the riverine landscape and urban mobility.
Now, that elusive Events Centre…
Now, that elusive Events Centre…
The insertion of new levels has made the whole space less accessible, and more of an obstacle, with visual noise from the excess of railings.
Don’t get me started on the treatment of sculpture.
The overall effect is bleak. This is no longer a park. It is a low-maintenance thoroughfare.
Don’t get me started on the treatment of sculpture.
The overall effect is bleak. This is no longer a park. It is a low-maintenance thoroughfare.
November 15, 2025 at 5:55 PM
The insertion of new levels has made the whole space less accessible, and more of an obstacle, with visual noise from the excess of railings.
Don’t get me started on the treatment of sculpture.
The overall effect is bleak. This is no longer a park. It is a low-maintenance thoroughfare.
Don’t get me started on the treatment of sculpture.
The overall effect is bleak. This is no longer a park. It is a low-maintenance thoroughfare.
The ‘heart’ of this space is, in a word, bleak. Gone is a significant portion of green space, replaced by an expanse of gravel. This can be a pleasant surface in urban parks but only when in a successful ratio to soft surfaces.
Additional seating and overall colouration are positives.
Additional seating and overall colouration are positives.
November 15, 2025 at 5:52 PM
The ‘heart’ of this space is, in a word, bleak. Gone is a significant portion of green space, replaced by an expanse of gravel. This can be a pleasant surface in urban parks but only when in a successful ratio to soft surfaces.
Additional seating and overall colouration are positives.
Additional seating and overall colouration are positives.
There’s an excessive use of railings internally, occasioned by the introduction of new levels. There are at least three different finishes to these, which suggests incoherence rather than shifting zones.
November 15, 2025 at 5:48 PM
There’s an excessive use of railings internally, occasioned by the introduction of new levels. There are at least three different finishes to these, which suggests incoherence rather than shifting zones.
The provision of access to the old city walls is a welcome addition and change from the previous treatment of this historic site. Stepped seating is also positive.
The grass capping of these walls, however, is probably going to require a good deal of maintenance (which I hope will be forthcoming).
The grass capping of these walls, however, is probably going to require a good deal of maintenance (which I hope will be forthcoming).
November 15, 2025 at 5:46 PM
The provision of access to the old city walls is a welcome addition and change from the previous treatment of this historic site. Stepped seating is also positive.
The grass capping of these walls, however, is probably going to require a good deal of maintenance (which I hope will be forthcoming).
The grass capping of these walls, however, is probably going to require a good deal of maintenance (which I hope will be forthcoming).
The repointing of the boundary wall is, well, quite something but verging on the cartoonish. They missed a spot so we have a handy comparison.
However, the removal of the old 1980s railings vastly improves permeability and has a very positive impact on Grand Parade.
However, the removal of the old 1980s railings vastly improves permeability and has a very positive impact on Grand Parade.
November 15, 2025 at 5:42 PM
The repointing of the boundary wall is, well, quite something but verging on the cartoonish. They missed a spot so we have a handy comparison.
However, the removal of the old 1980s railings vastly improves permeability and has a very positive impact on Grand Parade.
However, the removal of the old 1980s railings vastly improves permeability and has a very positive impact on Grand Parade.
Well, here we are.
Bishop Lucey Park has reopened after a two-year closure and redesign. And it’s very good to have this space available again.
I’m trying very hard to find the positives (there are some), but overall it is a sad failure for the public and for urban green space in Cork.
Bishop Lucey Park has reopened after a two-year closure and redesign. And it’s very good to have this space available again.
I’m trying very hard to find the positives (there are some), but overall it is a sad failure for the public and for urban green space in Cork.
November 15, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Well, here we are.
Bishop Lucey Park has reopened after a two-year closure and redesign. And it’s very good to have this space available again.
I’m trying very hard to find the positives (there are some), but overall it is a sad failure for the public and for urban green space in Cork.
Bishop Lucey Park has reopened after a two-year closure and redesign. And it’s very good to have this space available again.
I’m trying very hard to find the positives (there are some), but overall it is a sad failure for the public and for urban green space in Cork.
For anyone in Kilkenny this Thursday evening, I’m giving a talk at 6:30pm in St Canice’s Cathedral.
“Harry Clarke: Imagining the Sacred and Profane”
Would love to see you there!
Further details here: www.stcanicescathedral.ie/event/harry-...
“Harry Clarke: Imagining the Sacred and Profane”
Would love to see you there!
Further details here: www.stcanicescathedral.ie/event/harry-...
November 12, 2025 at 8:54 PM
For anyone in Kilkenny this Thursday evening, I’m giving a talk at 6:30pm in St Canice’s Cathedral.
“Harry Clarke: Imagining the Sacred and Profane”
Would love to see you there!
Further details here: www.stcanicescathedral.ie/event/harry-...
“Harry Clarke: Imagining the Sacred and Profane”
Would love to see you there!
Further details here: www.stcanicescathedral.ie/event/harry-...
Throwback to Slógadh ‘93 when I met – and played – the man who would be the ninth Uachtarán na hÉireann.
What an exemplary president Michael D. Higgins has been, reminding us that the peoples of Ireland represent a diverse and vibrant culture with unlimited potential.
Míle buíochas agus beir bua!
What an exemplary president Michael D. Higgins has been, reminding us that the peoples of Ireland represent a diverse and vibrant culture with unlimited potential.
Míle buíochas agus beir bua!
November 10, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Throwback to Slógadh ‘93 when I met – and played – the man who would be the ninth Uachtarán na hÉireann.
What an exemplary president Michael D. Higgins has been, reminding us that the peoples of Ireland represent a diverse and vibrant culture with unlimited potential.
Míle buíochas agus beir bua!
What an exemplary president Michael D. Higgins has been, reminding us that the peoples of Ireland represent a diverse and vibrant culture with unlimited potential.
Míle buíochas agus beir bua!
Despite persistent rain, Clonakilty Samhain Parade was an absolute delight of creativity this evening as we shift towards shorter, darker days. And there among the brilliance was a beautiful tribute to Manchán Magan.
Comhghairdeas mór to Geata Arts and all the participants 🦉
Comhghairdeas mór to Geata Arts and all the participants 🦉
November 9, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Despite persistent rain, Clonakilty Samhain Parade was an absolute delight of creativity this evening as we shift towards shorter, darker days. And there among the brilliance was a beautiful tribute to Manchán Magan.
Comhghairdeas mór to Geata Arts and all the participants 🦉
Comhghairdeas mór to Geata Arts and all the participants 🦉
Excited to welcome visitors (temporarily) back to @crawfordartgallery.bsky.social for staff-led behind-the-scenes tours of the empty building!
Crawford Uncovered from 25 November. Reserve your free ticket: crawfordartgallery.ie/crawford-unc...
Crawford Uncovered from 25 November. Reserve your free ticket: crawfordartgallery.ie/crawford-unc...
November 4, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Excited to welcome visitors (temporarily) back to @crawfordartgallery.bsky.social for staff-led behind-the-scenes tours of the empty building!
Crawford Uncovered from 25 November. Reserve your free ticket: crawfordartgallery.ie/crawford-unc...
Crawford Uncovered from 25 November. Reserve your free ticket: crawfordartgallery.ie/crawford-unc...
Big congrats to Cork Community Art Link and Cork City Communities on another fabulous Dragon of Shandon parade. A complete joy to see such creativity and collaboration energising the parish. And no better way to mark Samhain / Halloween. Maith sibh 👻🎃🐉
November 1, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Big congrats to Cork Community Art Link and Cork City Communities on another fabulous Dragon of Shandon parade. A complete joy to see such creativity and collaboration energising the parish. And no better way to mark Samhain / Halloween. Maith sibh 👻🎃🐉
What a treat to be at Bandon Banshee Festival today for the inimitable Amanda Coogan’s talk on her practice and the figure of the Magdalene in They Come Then, The Birds. Full house and so engaging!
Image: Amanda Coogan, Mary Magdalene The Wren, 2021. @crawfordartgallery.bsky.social
Image: Amanda Coogan, Mary Magdalene The Wren, 2021. @crawfordartgallery.bsky.social
November 1, 2025 at 7:47 PM
What a treat to be at Bandon Banshee Festival today for the inimitable Amanda Coogan’s talk on her practice and the figure of the Magdalene in They Come Then, The Birds. Full house and so engaging!
Image: Amanda Coogan, Mary Magdalene The Wren, 2021. @crawfordartgallery.bsky.social
Image: Amanda Coogan, Mary Magdalene The Wren, 2021. @crawfordartgallery.bsky.social
🗳️ Proudly cast my vote for Catherine Connolly this morning in the hope she’ll be the 10th Uachtarán na hÉireann.
It’s such a privilege to exercise the right to vote, never taken for granted, and always done with excitement.
It’s such a privilege to exercise the right to vote, never taken for granted, and always done with excitement.
October 24, 2025 at 7:53 AM
🗳️ Proudly cast my vote for Catherine Connolly this morning in the hope she’ll be the 10th Uachtarán na hÉireann.
It’s such a privilege to exercise the right to vote, never taken for granted, and always done with excitement.
It’s such a privilege to exercise the right to vote, never taken for granted, and always done with excitement.
What a tremendous day of research and thought shared by fellow speakers Colin Rynne, John Kelly, Alicia St Leger, Niall Tubridy, Fionán O'Connor, and John Teeling. Big thanks to Dagmar Ó Riain-Raedel and all at Youghal Celebrates History!
October 18, 2025 at 11:01 PM
What a tremendous day of research and thought shared by fellow speakers Colin Rynne, John Kelly, Alicia St Leger, Niall Tubridy, Fionán O'Connor, and John Teeling. Big thanks to Dagmar Ó Riain-Raedel and all at Youghal Celebrates History!
Brilliant talk on 200 years of Midleton Distillery by @cqcork.bsky.social. Fascinating insights into business, agricultural, and social history!
October 18, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Brilliant talk on 200 years of Midleton Distillery by @cqcork.bsky.social. Fascinating insights into business, agricultural, and social history!
Excited to be attending the Youghal Celebrates History conference today, which has a distinctly distilled theme!
My talk, “Uisge Beatha”, focuses on #HarryClarke’s illustrations for two John Jameson & Son trade booklets, The History of a Great House (1924) and Elixir of Life (1925). Sláinte 🥃
My talk, “Uisge Beatha”, focuses on #HarryClarke’s illustrations for two John Jameson & Son trade booklets, The History of a Great House (1924) and Elixir of Life (1925). Sláinte 🥃
October 18, 2025 at 8:02 AM
Excited to be attending the Youghal Celebrates History conference today, which has a distinctly distilled theme!
My talk, “Uisge Beatha”, focuses on #HarryClarke’s illustrations for two John Jameson & Son trade booklets, The History of a Great House (1924) and Elixir of Life (1925). Sláinte 🥃
My talk, “Uisge Beatha”, focuses on #HarryClarke’s illustrations for two John Jameson & Son trade booklets, The History of a Great House (1924) and Elixir of Life (1925). Sláinte 🥃
Farewell Drew Struzan, designer of movie posters – from The Goonies and Back to the Future to Indiana Jones and Blade Runner – that signified such anticipation and excitement in my childhood… and now.
www.theguardian.com/film/2025/oc...
www.theguardian.com/film/2025/oc...
October 14, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Farewell Drew Struzan, designer of movie posters – from The Goonies and Back to the Future to Indiana Jones and Blade Runner – that signified such anticipation and excitement in my childhood… and now.
www.theguardian.com/film/2025/oc...
www.theguardian.com/film/2025/oc...
Thinking of my late colleague, Margaret Kenneally, and her family today as she takes her final rest.
It’s fitting that after decades of service in the gallery, her funeral was watched over by Séamus Murphy and Harry Clarke Studios artworks. I’ll miss her warm, kind presence.
rip.ie/death-notice...
It’s fitting that after decades of service in the gallery, her funeral was watched over by Séamus Murphy and Harry Clarke Studios artworks. I’ll miss her warm, kind presence.
rip.ie/death-notice...
October 2, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Thinking of my late colleague, Margaret Kenneally, and her family today as she takes her final rest.
It’s fitting that after decades of service in the gallery, her funeral was watched over by Séamus Murphy and Harry Clarke Studios artworks. I’ll miss her warm, kind presence.
rip.ie/death-notice...
It’s fitting that after decades of service in the gallery, her funeral was watched over by Séamus Murphy and Harry Clarke Studios artworks. I’ll miss her warm, kind presence.
rip.ie/death-notice...
10 Years On: Reflecting on Art & Marriage Equality
Comhghairdeas mór to all of the speakers and organisers (Kate Drinane, Seán Kissane) on a brilliant day of reflections and perspectives. Tuning in online was a privilege, but oh to have been in the room!
Le grá 🏳️🌈💜🏳️⚧️
@nationalgalleryirl.bsky.social
Comhghairdeas mór to all of the speakers and organisers (Kate Drinane, Seán Kissane) on a brilliant day of reflections and perspectives. Tuning in online was a privilege, but oh to have been in the room!
Le grá 🏳️🌈💜🏳️⚧️
@nationalgalleryirl.bsky.social
September 27, 2025 at 4:29 PM
10 Years On: Reflecting on Art & Marriage Equality
Comhghairdeas mór to all of the speakers and organisers (Kate Drinane, Seán Kissane) on a brilliant day of reflections and perspectives. Tuning in online was a privilege, but oh to have been in the room!
Le grá 🏳️🌈💜🏳️⚧️
@nationalgalleryirl.bsky.social
Comhghairdeas mór to all of the speakers and organisers (Kate Drinane, Seán Kissane) on a brilliant day of reflections and perspectives. Tuning in online was a privilege, but oh to have been in the room!
Le grá 🏳️🌈💜🏳️⚧️
@nationalgalleryirl.bsky.social
💕 Last hoorah!
I’m excited to be giving another free public tour of Grá at Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre this Thursday lunchtime.
So why not join me for a deep dive into this lovingly curated exhibition at 1pm!
All welcome, no booking required.
Grá must close this Saturday 20 September!
I’m excited to be giving another free public tour of Grá at Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre this Thursday lunchtime.
So why not join me for a deep dive into this lovingly curated exhibition at 1pm!
All welcome, no booking required.
Grá must close this Saturday 20 September!
September 17, 2025 at 10:44 PM
💕 Last hoorah!
I’m excited to be giving another free public tour of Grá at Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre this Thursday lunchtime.
So why not join me for a deep dive into this lovingly curated exhibition at 1pm!
All welcome, no booking required.
Grá must close this Saturday 20 September!
I’m excited to be giving another free public tour of Grá at Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre this Thursday lunchtime.
So why not join me for a deep dive into this lovingly curated exhibition at 1pm!
All welcome, no booking required.
Grá must close this Saturday 20 September!
Comhghairdeas mór to the organisers and artists of this year’s Sounds from a Safe Harbour festival. I wish I got to see more, but what a dazzling array of performance, art, and thought. Already eagerly anticipating 2027!
September 14, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Comhghairdeas mór to the organisers and artists of this year’s Sounds from a Safe Harbour festival. I wish I got to see more, but what a dazzling array of performance, art, and thought. Already eagerly anticipating 2027!
It was a distinct pleasure to visit the former studio of Edith Somerville yesterday at Drishane House.
Now a museum, it still holds the feeling of an inner sanctum, the ‘room of one’s own’ that Virginia Woolf would later propose.
My thanks to Tom and Jane Somerville for the warm welcome.
Now a museum, it still holds the feeling of an inner sanctum, the ‘room of one’s own’ that Virginia Woolf would later propose.
My thanks to Tom and Jane Somerville for the warm welcome.
September 12, 2025 at 6:53 PM
It was a distinct pleasure to visit the former studio of Edith Somerville yesterday at Drishane House.
Now a museum, it still holds the feeling of an inner sanctum, the ‘room of one’s own’ that Virginia Woolf would later propose.
My thanks to Tom and Jane Somerville for the warm welcome.
Now a museum, it still holds the feeling of an inner sanctum, the ‘room of one’s own’ that Virginia Woolf would later propose.
My thanks to Tom and Jane Somerville for the warm welcome.