The Art of Friendship at the National Gallery of Ireland - Friday, 27 June 2025

On a radiant afternoon on 27 June, members and their guests gathered at No. 5 South Leinster Street for a special private reception ahead of a guided tour of The Art of Friendship exhibition at the National Gallery of Ireland.

Gallery Director and fellow member Caroline Campbell warmly welcomed the group and shared highlights from this exceptional exhibition, which brings together 90 works by pioneering Irish modernists Mainie Jellett and Evie Hone. The exhibition traces their artistic journeys from studying together in 1920s Paris to their influential careers in Ireland, showcasing both shared themes and their eventual stylistic divergence.

Featuring paintings, stained glass, and preparatory drawings, The Art of Friendship offers a fascinating look at how both artists pushed boundaries while remaining connected to traditional themes such as religion and landscape.

Caroline’s enthusiasm was widely felt—one attendee noted how she brought both women’s lives vividly to life, combining deep knowledge with an engaging, accessible approach.

It was a wonderful midsummer afternoon filled with art, conversation, and connection. Many members expressed their intention to return—some regretting not bringing daughters or sisters along! If you haven’t yet seen the exhibition, there’s still time: it runs until 10 August.