i S S U E n o. 4 0 / a P R i l 2 0 1 8
MinERva foR MEMbERS of thE RdS
REcRafting iREland Restructuring the RdS craft awards
EditoRial
MinERva Welcome to the april Minerva
editor
diarmuid hanifin
contributors Susan cox
Paul farrelly
it is apparent to all that we are living through a
spring heralds preparation for the dublin
time of great flux. change is all around us, and
horse Show, which will continue to be the
is happening at a great pace. here in the RdS
most important calendar event for the irish sport horse industry thanks to the commitment of RdS Members, volunteers and
ann-Marie hardiman
colm Quinn
we aim to be part of positive change in the
catherine Jordan
natasha Serne
areas in which we work. We are also helping
dara o’leary
gerard Whelan
others to prepare for it.
staff. i hope to see many of you there or at
in this issue you can read more about the
other RdS events in the weeks ahead.
changes that will affect us all when the general data Protection Regulation (gdPR) is implemented this May. helen dixon, data Design and Production Sub-editing and layout
think Media ltd. t: 01 856 1166 www.thinkmedia.ie
Print distribution
impress Printing Sooner than later
Protection commissioner for ireland, will address the many ramifications for businesses of all hues, as well as for individuals, as part of the RdS Economic vision 2020 Series next month, and speaks to Minerva in advance of this.
Royal dUblin SociEty
change is also coming to the area of craft. in
ballsbridge, dublin 4.
anticipation of this important anniversary year
t: 01 668 0866 f: 01 660 4014
for the RdS craft awards a review has taken
www.rds.ie
place of the awards, with significant chy no.:
restructuring to make them even more
1325
impactful and influential. these changes will general:
info@rds.ie
RdS Membership:
members@rds.ie
also deepen our relationship with the design &
Minerva, the magazine for Members of the Royal dublin Society, is published tri-annually. any views expressed are not those necessarily held by the RdS or its council. no part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed without prior written permission.
crafts council of ireland. again you can read about these changes in this issue. an exceptionally busy summer for our commercial operations awaits, but as ever
Bernie Brennan rDS PreSiDent aPriL 2018
Front cover: Diptych by alan Meredith.
Contents
10
Feature new RdS foundation development Plan
3 DePartment contactS agriculture & rural affairs
(01) 240 7215
agriculture@rds.ie
arts
(01) 240 7255
arts@rds.ie
enterprise
(01) 240 7215
enterprise@rds.ie
equestrian
(01) 240 7290
equestrian@rds.ie
Library
(01) 240 7254
librarydesk@rds.ie
membership
(01) 240 7296
members@rds.ie
(01) 240 7289
science@rds.ie
Science & technology
events Lady Lyster
12
members' gallery new Members, music and agriculture
RdS lunch & learn RdS Spring agriculture and forestry awards
6
14
calendar of members' events
15
rDS Library
interview data Protection commissioner helen dixon
Make the most of your library
8
Feature 50 years of the RdS craft awards
16
Dublin Horse Show time to get ready for the 2018 dublin horse Show
2 | MinERva | aPRil 2018
EvEntS
lady lyster exposed! no doubt Members will be delighted to see James northcote’s The Lady of Sir John Lyster and her long-eared mount clopping about the thomas Prior Room once again, quite as if nothing had happened. au contraire! treatment under the RdS conservation fellowship at the national gallery of ireland has greatly improved her breezy disposition. and indeed, treatment was needed; hidden behind the frame, the canvas had slipped from its support, old repairs were bulging, and whites were not quite white. is she the rightful lady lyster, however? Research has turned up an interesting discovery. the model is not, in fact, the wife of Sir John fleming leicester, but his mistress, Miss Emily St clare. oh, how delicious! a drawing room scandal! leicester was a passionate patron of the arts, even offering his private collection to establish a national gallery of british art. it appears that he was equally passionate about Miss St clare, commissioning no less than 14 portraits of his rosy-cheeked muse – entre nous, some of them nudes. as for the lovely and lively Miss St clare herself – sadly, little is remembered. Rumoured to have been an actress, she and her portraits were de-installed from leicester’s demesne when georgiana, beauty and granddaughter of architect Sir William chambers, became the legitimate lady lyster by marriage. next up under our conservator’s scalpel is Salomon Koninck’s St Mark. given Miss St clare’s transformation – in more ways than one – we anticipate first-rate results. Perhaps we may even get to the bottom of the St Mark versus St Jerome quarrel!
RESTORED TO GLORY Pearl O’Sullivan, Paintings Conservator, National Gallery of Ireland, worked on the restoration of James Northcote’s The Lady of Sir John Lyster for the RDS.
What’s for lunch? gardening, genealogy, art
in many of the talks, giving
talks already, and with another
nutrition, interior design, and
collecting, personal styling: what
attendees knowledge that they
two to come before the summer,
historic houses, as talks on these
do they have in common? very
can take away and use
we are asking Members to
areas have already taken place
little actually, except that they
themselves, the only real
provide suggestions for lunch &
or are scheduled to be covered
have all been topics in the
stipulation is that the talk must
learn topics for the latter part of
in the coming weeks.
extremely popular lunch &
be interesting and the speaker
2018 and into 2019. as indicated,
if you have any topics or specific
learn series for RdS Members.
engaging. Practical application is
topics can cover almost
speakers that you think would
the series was only initiated this
not a requirement, something
anything, although those with a
work in a lunchtime slot,
time last year but has quickly
that Members should bear in
practical element would be
please get in touch with
become a staple in the RdS
mind when thinking about
slightly preferred. it would also
catherine Jordan,
calendar.
potential speakers for the series
be best to avoid topics that have
Membership development
although to date there has been
later this year.
already been covered, such as
Manager on catherine@rds.ie
a theme of practical application
having completed nine such
those mentioned above, and also
or 01-240 7296.
MinERva | aPRil 2018 | 3
EvEntS
fine art auction an auction of fine art will be held this May to raise funds for the development of the RdS visual art awards. the caP art dublin collection, generously donated to the RdS by tony and linda Pilaro, will be sold as part of Whyte’s important irish art auction on Monday, May 28, at 6.00pm. this will be preceded by a private reception and viewing of the collection with the Whyte’s team of experts for RdS Members and guests on friday, May 25. tony and linda Pilaro began the caP foundation award in 1998. operating annually for ten years, the award was given to two graduating students of ncad to
THE CAP COLLECTION Study: The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp after Rembrandt (1998), by Michael Cullen RHA (b. 1949).
aid them in their transition from
artists as they progress from
€10,000 RdS taylor art award.
carroll, Membership Relationship
student to professional artist. the
education into early professional
Public viewing of the collection
Manager, by email at
works for sale are part of a larger
career. they do this through the
takes place over the weekend of
eamonn@rds.ie or on
private art collection, and have
fantastic exhibition of some of
May 26-27 in the RdS. Members
01-240 7297.
now been donated to the RdS.
ireland’s best visual art graduates
who would like to attend the
See www.rds.ie/visualart for
the RdS visual art awards
each october and offering a prize
private viewing on friday, May 25,
more information on the RdS
provide a platform for graduating
fund of €30,000, including the
are asked to contact Eamonn
visual art awards.
additional €10,000 in prizes for 2018 RdS visual art awards Prizes valued at €10,000 will be added to the 2018 RdS visual art
of the Rha graduate Studio award will also have free access to all Rha
awards, which take place this october. the Royal hibernian academy
School classes and masterclasses for the duration of the year. applicants
(Rha) and the RdS have partnered for the first time for the Rha
for the award will be asked to state on their application form how the
graduate Studio award, valued at €7,500. the winner of this award will
studio award would assist them with their creative practice and include
have 24-hour, full-time access to a studio space (inclusive of utilities), for
an outline of their plans for the year. the winner will be selected by the
one year in Ely Place, dublin 2. a third cash prize of €2,500 has been
Rha School Principal, in consultation with the Rha director and Senior
added to the awards. this cash prize is in addition to the two existing
curator, from those artists in the 2018 RdS visual art awards Exhibition
cash prizes, the RdS taylor art award (€10,000) and the R.c. lewis-
who apply for the studio award. their decision will be based on the
crosby award (€5,000), and contributes to a total prize fund of €30,000
quality of the work as well as the written statement. on completion, the
for 2018.
RdS will ask the successful recipient to complete a report on how the
as well as sharing a similarly lengthy history, the RdS and the Rha share
studio award assisted them with their practice.
very similar goals and objectives, making this new partnership
for more information on the RdS visual art awards, please contact
appropriate for both parties. in addition to the studio space, the winner
art@rds.ie or 01-240 7242.
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celebrating the very best in irish agriculture and forestry
DAIRY WINNER Brendan Meade’s Whiteleas Farm Herd was the winner of the inaugural RDS Dairy Herd Award at the RDS Spring Agriculture and Forestry Awards 2018.
in 2017 the RdS piloted a new awards programme that brought their
waste reduction and increased productivity through genetic
livestock and forestry awards programmes together into one event: the
improvement. in addition to awards for the five main cattle breeds –
RdS Spring agriculture and forestry awards.
friesian, limousin, angus, charolais, and hereford – which make up
building on a name from the past, but firmly focused on the future of the
around 90% of the national herd, the RdS made four genetic index
sector, the awards bring farmers and foresters together to promote the
awards based on data from the irish cattle breeding federation (icbf).
benefits of climate smart agriculture to both audiences, and to show
these are the only awards of their kind in the country.
how the success, and sustainability, of irish agriculture depends on both
new awards for the best dairy and beef herds draw attention to the
sectors working together in the future. With a prize fund of over
carbon footprint of production and highlight those farmers who are at
€20,000, the awards are a celebration of the very best in irish
the forefront of the economic and environmental sustainability of irish
agriculture and forestry. With a clear focus on greenhouse gas mitigation
agriculture.
within the farm gate, a number of significant changes were introduced
brendan Meade’s Whiteleas farm herd was the winner of the inaugural
to the award categories this year.
RdS dairy herd award. brendan’s farm on the Meath-dublin border is a model spring-calving system built on good breeding, high grass
farm forestry
utilisation and a labour-conscious system. brendan was an early adopter
the new teagasc farm forestry award, which was presented to andrew
of the Ebi (Economic breeding index) as he saw that “it was the first
o’carroll of co. Kilkenny, aims to promote the positive contribution that
time science was applied to breeding”.
forestry can bring to traditional farming practices, and also to increase
the icbf wants to see the improvements in productivity that it has
the number of trees that are being planted to help minimise agricultural
helped to spearhead in the national dairy herd replicated in the beef
greenhouse gas emissions. Suckler beef is the primary focus of andrew’s
sector. Richard fortune’s Knottown Salers herd is a great example of
farm; however, in 2005 he decided to diversify approximately one-third
how scientifically proven best practice delivers for both the farmer, in
of his farm into forestry. andrew’s decision to plant forestry has helped
terms of increased income, and the environment, through greater
to turn some of the poorer unproductive land on his farm into a source
efficiency and reduced waste. the 2018 RdS beef herd award was
of income that is helping him to plan for the future development of his
Richard’s second award from the RdS in recent years. in 2013, he
farm business in a more certain way.
received the RdS Maternal index award for his phenomenal Salers cow Usance, who boasts a Maternal index of €367.
livestock
the 2018 RdS Spring agriculture and forestry awards took place in the
in the livestock category it was decided to reduce the number of awards
RdS concert hall on Wednesday, april 4, 2018. See the photo gallery for
from 15 to nine with a greater emphasis placed on increased efficiency,
more images from the celebration.
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intERviEW
Protecting our data ahead of her presentation as part of the rDS economic Vision 2020 series, Data Protection commissioner for ireland Helen Dixon discusses the General Data Protection regulation and its implications for irish businesses and individuals.
as society moves increasingly into the digital sphere, data protection
familiar principles of data protection with which people are already
and privacy concerns are coming to the fore. for these reasons, the
acquainted. helen dixon highlights that it also “adds two new
European Union has agreed a far-reaching reform of data protection
principles of general applicability of ‘data integrity’ and
laws (the general data Protection Regulation; gdPR), which comes
‘accountability’, reinforced by a number of new responsibilities: “this
into force on May 25, 2018. data Protection commissioner helen
brings a set of clear, harmonised data protection rules that put the
dixon explains: “the gdPR is a once-in-a-generation overhaul of
individual firmly in control. it benefits businesses and promotes
Europe’s data protection laws that will strengthen the rights of
growth and innovation by providing a safe, legal basis for using data,
individuals and create a regulatory environment fit for purpose in the
boosting consumer confidence in the digital economy, and replacing
digital age. the gdPR will bring new responsibilities to organisations
28 differing sets of EU laws with a single EU-wide regulation”.
that collect, process and store personal data, and tough new penalties
buy-in to the new Regulation is critical, but helen dixon says that irish
for non-compliance. the irish data Protection commission (dPc
businesses are generally on board and they see the value in it: “the
ireland) will be the regulatory body responsible for driving compliance
best results for data subjects are secured when organisations of all
and enforcing the new law in ireland”.
types deliver on their obligations to be fair and transparent. in our
Personal data is any data that can identify an individual, including
experience, few organisations disagree with the fundamental
names, contact details, health records, bank statements, or indeed
principles of the data protection legislation. Quite simply, they make
new types of data emerging alongside new technologies, such as
sound business sense and boost consumer trust and engagement”.
smartphone location data or an iP address. the gdPR retains all of the
Preparing for the gdPR helen dixon
So how can businesses prepare for the gdPR? it might seem like an
helen dixon was appointed data Protection commissioner for ireland in
intimidating task, but helen dixon sets out some basic principles that
September 2014. Previously irish Registrar of companies, helen has also
businesses should follow: “the foundation underpinning any
held senior roles in the department of Jobs, Enterprise and innovation
preparations should be an awareness and examination of what data
working on economic migration policy, and science, technology and
you hold. can you identify all of the data that you hold? for what
innovation policy. She spent the first ten years of her career in the it
purpose do you hold that data? What is your legal basis for
industry. She holds postgraduate qualifications in European Economic
processing? What measures do you take to secure it? Keeping these
and Public affairs, governance, computer Science, official Statistics for
records is both a requirement of the gdPR and an essential first step
Policy Evaluation, and Judicial Skills and decision-making.
in preparing for compliance”.
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INTERVIEW fEatURE
Preparing for the gdPR: five key steps Senior management support Senior management support is critical in terms of ensuring buy-in to the gdPR. When setting up your project you should consider:
n what resources and budget you will need;
n how you are going to divide up your programme, e.g., by themes;
n who will own actions and how they will be tracked; and,
n how and when to update and leverage senior management.
Project management implementing the gdPR cannot simply be the work of the compliance or privacy officer but rather must be a full cross-business project plan with a cross-functional task force within the organisation to get all elements of gdPR readiness in place – legal, compliance, business units, it, and risk management.
Know yourself Know what data you have and where it is. Key considerations and questions to ask of your organisation should include:
n Who are your data subjects? it is important not to underestimate the importance of this Regulation, and the consequences of not taking data protection responsibilities seriously. dPc ireland will have considerable powers to deal with contraventions under the new Regulation, while at the same time individuals’ rights are also strengthened. helen dixon explains: “not only will the office be in a strong position of
n do you process sensitive personal data? n do you collect data about children?
n What grounds do you currently rely on to process personal data? n do you send data outside the European Economic area (EEa)? n do you have a breach notification process already?
n do you have a data protection officer (dPo) already?
enforcement, given its new powers under the gdPR, but individuals will also be able to go to court to claim compensation where they
Risk-based approach
suffer damage as a result of a contravention by any organisation”.
When looking at risk for your organisation, it is useful to look at the
Resources
safeguard against. these include processing that could give rise to:
risks or tangible harms to individuals that your organisation needs to dPc ireland welcomes the government’s continuing commitment to meeting its resourcing needs; funding has increased from €1.7m in 2013 to almost €11.7m in 2018. the increased budget has allowed dPc ireland to recruit extensively, adding specialist skills in the areas of communications, legal, multinational and technology, investigations and complaints. helen dixon concludes: “the digital economy is here to stay and data protection will become an ever more crucial element of how we safeguard individuals’
n discrimination;
n identity theft or fraud; n financial loss;
n damage to reputation;
n loss of confidentiality of personal data;
n unauthorised reversal of pseudonymisation; or,
n any other significant economic or social disadvantage.
rights. the gdPR is designed to facilitate this shift in our society, and provide a safe environment for the use of personal data”.
Gap analysis organisations should also undertake a gap analysis in terms of
further information
any processes they need to modify before the gdPR; for example,
dPc ireland established a dedicated gdPR awareness and training Unit in
do you need to initiate a new consent moment that meets the gdPR
2017, and central to this is a gdPR micro-site, www.gdPRandyou.ie, which
standard? the gap analysis should also identify if an organisation
serves as a central hub for published guidance and a starting point for
has legacy datasets they didn’t know they had, which will then
organisations seeking assistance with gdPR preparations. you can also go
provide an opportunity to make decisions about deleting data where
to www.dataprotection.ie, and follow dPc ireland on twitter @dPcireland.
no purpose for retention can be identified.
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fEatURE
crafting change restructuring of the rDS craft awards will see the rDS increase its craft prize fund to €60,000 this year.
Partnership the restructured awards will see the RdS partner with the dccoi’s ‘future Makers awards & Supports’, which provides financial support for students and emerging crafts and design practitioners – the same target group as the RdS craft awards. an emerging maker will have to have received a future Makers award or Support in the preceding year to apply for the RdS craft awards, providing makers with the opportunity to demonstrate the KNITWEAR Midnight Python Jumper by Pearl Reddington was shown in last year’s exhibition. Pearl is eligible for this year’s Awards, as she won a Futuremaker award in 2017.
for the development of business and craft skills for those pursuing a
it has been 50 years since the RdS craft awards first began, and since
education and training, research, development of new work, mentoring,
then they have contributed significantly to the development and growth
purchase of equipment, studio improvements, website and residencies.
progression of their skills and body of work. the five €10,000 bursaries are professional career in the sector, and can be spent by the maker on further
of the craft sector in ireland. in this anniversary year significant changes
a panel of five professionals from the sector will judge these emerging
are being made to the awards to ensure their relevance to the craft
makers, review the applications from eligible candidates and shortlist
sector and alignment with the goals of the RdS. the awards will now
candidates to attend interviews in the RdS in May, where examples of their
constitute five €10,000 bursaries for emerging craft makers, and a new
work will also be shown to the panel. the highly accomplished 2018 panel
€10,000 bursary for an established maker; this established maker
comprises: Róisín de buitléar, glass artist (chair); annie Warburton,
bursary will be managed by the design & crafts council of ireland
creative director, crafts council UK; Joe hogan, basketmaker; John tynan,
(dccoi) and sponsored by the RdS.
head of Education, training & development, design & crafts council of
With these changes the new RdS craft awards will be more aligned with
ireland; and, Siobhán Riordan, Managing director, alan ardiff Jewellery.
the RdS arts Work Programme and its goal of supporting artists making
following the judging process in May, the awards will be presented at an
the transition from emerging to professional practice. at €60,000, the
event in the RdS in late June 2018. RdS craft awards winners will also have
RdS will double its annual direct investment in the irish craft sector and
the opportunity to show their work to the public on a free stand (valued at
have an important effect on the professional careers of five promising
€2,000) at gifted – the contemporary craft & design fair, which is held in
craft makers each year.
the RdS every december.
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CERAMICS Entropy by Sophie Kate Curran was shown in last year’s exhibition. Kate is eligible for this year’s Awards, as she won a Futuremaker award in 2017.
the RdS craft awards 1968-2018 this summer, an exhibition will be curated and hosted by the RdS library & archives in celebration of 50 years of the RdS craft awards. this exhibition will draw extensively on the RdS craft archive housed in the RdS library & archives, and demonstrate how the awards first developed from longstanding RdS support of excellence in the applied arts to its position within the industry today as a standard bearer of excellence for emerging craft makers. going back further, the exhibition will also explore the role of the RdS in the promotion of craft in the decades prior to the awards, from 1731 up to 1968, the key people involved in conceiving the awards, and the people who made it all happen. the exhibition will also present the personal side of the awards, exploring the impact of winning on the lives and careers of craft makers through the years. this focus offers the opportunity to showcase selected winning pieces from the past 50 years framed in the context of the impact of the prize on the maker and their career in the intervening years. the exhibition will run in the RdS library & archives from thursday, June 14, to thursday, august 16. Please note that a charge will apply to non-RdS Members during the dublin horse Show (august 8-12).
WOODWORK Alan Meredith’s Diptych won first place (woodturning) at the RDS Craft Awards 2017.
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deep impact a new Foundation Development Plan will assist the rDS as it continues to achieve its goals. Success inspired by Enlightenment ideas, the RdS was founded to have a positive impact on the economy and culture of ireland, helping the country to realise its potential. the first foundation development Plan sought to deepen the impact of the 21st century RdS by scaling up projects, increasing funding and ensuring greater relevance to our target audiences. and it worked. Since the implementation of the Plan began five years ago, the RdS has seen an increase in recognition, acknowledgement and prominence in the sectors in which we work. the Society already had long associations and connections in these areas, but that has now been matched with greater relevance and influence. Much of this success is due to the focus on deepening the benefits of our work and the regular re-evaluation of projects during this five-year period, all of which the Plan introduced. in turn, strengthening the rigour of RdS projects made outside funders more disposed to consider RdS projects for their financial support, as well as garnering greater attention from sectoral stakeholders, including the media.
new Plan the RdS foundation board oversaw the development of the second foundation development Plan and will now monitor its implementation, reporting to the council of the RdS. according to Michael gleeson, chair of the foundation board: “from the outset of the Plan we focused on having a deeper and more meaningful impact across the work programme of the RdS. five years on, we can measure that success and see what we achieved during that time, which has put us in a really good SongbiRdS The RDS Music Bursary has become one of the most significant prizes in Europe for emerging classical music performers. Pictured here are 2016 recipient Aoife Gibney, soprano (left), with 2017 recipient, soprano Sarah Brady.
position for the next five years. “We have included learnings from the first Plan and together with ambitious plans for project development, the second foundation development Plan will take us to 2022 in rude health”.
the RdS is driven to achieve its mission, which is the furtherance of the
the strategic focus of the RdS work programme has been rearticulated:
cultural and economic development of ireland in the areas of
“the RdS continues to inspire future generations to fulfil their potential
agriculture, the arts, equestrianism, enterprise, science and technology.
in a rapidly changing environment, by providing practical support and by
having a greater impact in the varied sectors that we work in was the
stimulating new ideas for a changing world”.
impetus for the first RdS foundation development Plan 2013-2017. this
this re-articulation accommodates the increasing pace of change within
Plan has been implemented over the last five years and has now been
society, and specifies the RdS focus on practical support and stimulating
followed by a second foundation development Plan 2018-2022, which
new ideas.
sets out to replicate and exceed the success of the first by having even
contained within this second foundation development Plan is a
greater impact.
proposal to look at the longer-term role of the RdS. Effecting long-term
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fEatURE
aRt WinnERS 2017 RDS Taylor Art Award winner Kevin O’Kelly with 2017 R.C. LewisCrosby Award winner Elaine Hoey.
food SciEncE The RDS Primary Science Fair has expanded to three cities in recent years. Pictured are Lara Healy and twins David and Sophie Lynch from Scoil Naomh Muire, Farran, Co. Cork, with their project ‘Which fruits or vegetables make the best indicators of acids and bases?’ at the RDS Primary Science Fair Limerick 2018.
change has been at the heart of RdS endeavours over generations.
find. could there be more of a policy-shaping role for the RdS in this
While the emphasis in our recent work programme has been on more
context? one that examines the long-term trends for irish society and
immediate returns, albeit with potentially long-term impacts, it is
asks how all citizens can best prepare themselves for rapid and
intended to formulate a 20-year plan for the RdS work programme, the
inevitable change? these questions, and many more, will be explored
first time that this has been done. one of the traditions of the Society
under the second foundation development Plan.
has been a platform for information dissemination, but public discourse
the first foundation development Plan has proven itself a vital tool in
is now saturated with information in ways that were previously
successfully achieving the Society’s goals during the past five years, and
inconceivable, paradoxically leaving veracity and objectivity harder to
the second Plan will no doubt play a crucial role over the next five.
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MEMbERS' gallERy
Members on the move recent rDS events welcomed and entertained new members and music Bursary winners, and celebrated the best of irish farming and forestry.
WElcoMing nEW MEMbERS RdS Members Michael donohoe, Kristina odlum, Jenny donohoe and Philip odlum at the new Members’ Supper in March.
MUSIC WINNER RDS President Bernie Brennan and Chief Executive Michael Duffy with 2018 RDS Music Bursary winner, cellist Killian White.
12 | MinERva | aPRil 2018
ECONOMIC VISION FOR IRELAND Prof. Sean Barrett speaking at the Economic Vision 2020 Series on transport economies.
all that Jazz Members of the RdS Jazz Singers performing at the new Members’ Supper.
MEMbERS' gallERy
condUctoR duncan brickenden conducts the RdS Jazz Singers at the new Members’ Supper.
IRISH ENTREPRENEURIAL SUCCESS Lucinda Kelly of Popertee, who was judged to have given the best pitch, with Pat Flood and John Whelan at a recent RDS Entrepreneurs Club.
WINNERS Pictured at the RDS Spring Awards 2018 were Micheál, Maria, Owen and Ann Hestor, winners of the RDS Limousin Champion of Champions Award.
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vv calEndaR of EvEntS oPEn to MEMbERS
Calendar APRIL
MAY 2
ian Fox 2018 Spring Series of Lectures – members' club – 12.00pm
9
rDS entrepreneurs' club: meeting 6 – Library – 6.00pm
1 – 30/06 rDS Jazz Singers – Library – 7.00pm audition and join the RdS Jazz Singers for regular practices and
the RdS provides a space where emerging entrepreneurs can
performances
connect with established business professionals in order to share 11
ian Fox 2018 Spring Series of Lectures – members’ club – 12.00pm
12
irish Heritage London opera Gala Showcase: a night at the
ideas, and exchange expertise, to help irish start-up businesses succeed. bookings for this event close on Monday, May 7
opera – St John’s, Smith Square, London – 7.30pm
21
Lunch & Learn: the Women Behind WB Yeats – members'
this concert features a performance by 2017 RdS Music bursary
club – 12.30pm
winner, soprano Sarah brady, performing with soprano ailish
Siobhan campbell, art historian, tells the story of how yeats’ sisters
tynan, tenor owen gilhooly, and baritone Seán boylan
lily and lolly yeats, established the cuala industries and Press against all odds. €25 Members/ €30 non-Members
16
Lunch & Learn: Lissadell: a Passionate Journey – members’ club – 12.30pm
25
24
Private members’ viewing of the caP art Dublin collection this collection will be auctioned on May 28 to raise funds for
constance cassidy Sc, owner of lissadell house, will bring you through her journey with lissadell. €25 Members/€30 non
the development of the RdS visual art awards. further
Members (including lunch and tour)
information from Eamonn carroll, eamonn@rds.ie or 01-240 729
JUNE
rDS economic Vision 2020: Helen Dixon – concert Hall – 7.00am helen dixon, data Protection commissioner for ireland: The
1–3
members' trip to the Blackwater Valley opera Festival 2018
General Data Protection Regulation – Challenges and Opportunities.
Enjoy brilliant music in splendid surrounds this summer with a trip
bookings close on friday, april 20.
to the newly renamed blackwater valley opera festival (formerly the lismore opera festival).
25
rDS Library Speaker Series – Library – 6.30pm valerie Packenham: The Real Maria: Reading and selecting from
6–7
Maria Edgeworth’s original letters, 1782-1849
rDS Primary Science Fair 2018 Belfast – Belfast Waterfront – 10.00am-3.00pm the RdS Primary Science fair belfast showcases Key Stage 2
26
all things Green in royal meath – 9.00am
and 4th-6th class primary school science-themed projects.
Join RdS Members on a visit to Sonairte Eco-centre and gardens near laytown, and other gardens of interest by the boyne.
14 – 16/8 50 Years of the rDS craft awards – Library – 10.00am
€72 Members/€76 non-Members (includes coach transport,
the first RdS craft awards took place in 1968, and this exhibition
entrance and lunch)
will illustrate the development of the RdS craft awards over a 50-year period
26
rDS rising Stars concert featuring cit cork School of music –
AUGUST
concert Hall – 7.o0pm Programmed by cit cork School of Music, this fantastic event
8 – 12
rDS Dublin Horse Show
will feature some of its best students and recent graduates.
Members have access (with a valid RdS
admission is free but booking is essential.
Membership card) through the Members’
visit www.rds.ie/risingstars for details
club and the belvedere gate
members’ evening dining
evening dining dates
Members’ dining takes place in the Members’ club, with orders taken
april
6
20
between 6.30pm and 8.15pm. Enjoy fine dining in elegant surroundings with
may
4
18
the added benefit of convenient parking. Members are reminded that the
June
1
5
dress code in the Members’ club area is smart casual and that dress must be
July
6
20
neat and tidy at all times.
august
10
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RdS libRaRy
Make the most of your library With its lending service, hot desks, lectures and exhibitions, the rDS Library is an invaluable resource for members. great antidote to the anti-Enlightenment ‘fake news’ culture and the undermining of expertise that is becoming more prevalent. in addition to the RdS library Speaker Series, there are also events throughout the year, including exhibitions and conferences that aim to highlight aspects of the RdS archival collections and promote historical research.
doing business in the library the RdS library provides ten hot desks with plug points for RdS Members, providing a peaceful place to conduct research, write papers or just take some time out of the office to think. RdS Members also use the hot desks to work before meeting clients in the Members’ club or one of the meeting rooms. PlacE of EnlightEnMEnt the RdS library has been highly regarded for its collections for three centuries.
complimentary Wifi is provided in the RdS library and although
the RdS is a Society that was founded upon the rational ideals of the
the corridor outside.
communication should be silent in the library itself, calls can be taken in Enlightenment. best practice, new ideas and irish potential have been
the RdS library is constantly adding to its collection of business-themed
encouraged and supported by the RdS in the sciences, the arts and
books and if the book you are looking for is unavailable, RdS library staff
agriculture since the 18th century. dissemination of knowledge was always
will be happy to find it for you.
an important part of this mix and the RdS library has been highly regarded
two computer terminals, along with printing and photocopying facilities,
for its collection for the last three centuries.
are also available for use in the RdS library.
library & archives
RdS library & archives online catalogue
as a Member of the RdS you have exclusive access to the RdS library &
Registered RdS library Members can use a range of features, including
archives, providing you not only with a lending service, but with a quiet
online renewal of books, making purchase suggestions and creating tag
place to think and study. the RdS library contains over 100,000 volumes
clouds and lists by visiting www.rds.ie/library.
including over 4,000 relating to ireland, many of them old and rare. in addition, the RdS library holds the records of the Royal dublin Society since its foundation and is open to all researchers in the areas of irish social and cultural history. the RdS archival collections are open to researchers by appointment. the RdS librarians are a mine of information about the history of the RdS, the archival material and the collections, and are delighted to help with any enquiries.
RdS library online resources include:
n dictionary of irish biography (only searchable on public Pcs in the library);
n JStoR ireland collection (only searchable on public Pcs in the library); n RdS library online exhibitions;
n the RdS library and the national library of ireland: a Shared history; n RdS photos online; and, n RdS past Members.
Speaker Series today, despite the unprecedented availability of information, true
to avail of these online services as RdS Members, please contact the RdS
knowledge can often be hard to find. as well as being a means of
library desk to set up your username and password at 01-240 7254/286, or
introducing the RdS to prospective Members, the RdS library Speaker
librarydesk@rds.ie.
Series encourages discussion across the humanities and sciences, and gives an important platform to experts to disseminate their hard-earned
the library desk is open Monday, tuesday and friday from 10.00am to
expertise. it harks back to the very earliest ideas of the Society and is a
5.00pm, and Wednesday and thursday from 10.00am to 6.00pm.
MinERva | aPRil 2018 | 15
dUblin hoRSE ShoW
time to get horse Show ready the 2018 Dublin Horse Show is steadily appearing on the horizon, so get yourself ready with this handy checklist.
ANNUAL TREAT The 2018 Dublin Horse Show is a fabulous event for all the family, and RDS Members have complimentary access, so be sure to join us!
n this year’s longines fEi Jumping nations cuptM of ireland at the dublin horse Show takes place from august 8-12. n Members have complimentary access to the Show, but you must have your Membership card with you at all times and may be asked to produce photo identification also. Membership cards are strictly non-transferable. n Members will have access to the dublin horse Show with a valid RdS Membership card, entering through the Members’ club and the belvedere gate (the Membership card must be produced to gain entry). Member and guest tickets can also be scanned at these entry points. n tickets for the Main arena may be booked via the RdS Members’
n a table d’hote menu is served in the dining Room on Wednesday, thursday and friday from 12.30pm-2.30pm (advance booking for the dining Room is essential; call 01-668 9244 to book a table). n afternoon tea is served each afternoon in the thomas Prior Room from 3.30pm-5.30pm. n Evening dining takes place on friday night with orders taken from 6.30pm-8.15pm (booking is essential). n the Members’ bar at the Main arena directly overlooks the course and is open from 11.00am each day until 30 minutes after the end of the final event. Membership cards are required for entry and a
ticket line on 01-240 7967. tickets are allocated on a first-come,
maximum of three guests per Member can be signed in (only one
first-served basis.
on friday).
n Members’ complimentary tickets for friday are always popular, so book well in advance. n the Members’ club is open from 9.00am-7.00pm each day, and until 6.00pm on Sunday. n a buffet is served each day in the thomas Prior Room from 12.00pm-3.00pm (no booking required).
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n for health and safety reasons, there is a limit of 30 people allowed in the Members’ bar at any given time. your co-operation in this matter is much appreciated. n the longines fEi Jumping nations cuptM of ireland at the dublin horse Show is a good opportunity for Members to use their food and beverage credit in the Members’ club (cut-off date for food and beverage credit is october 31).