Cork hears a tale of two forgotten artists and sends spectators on a mystery trip

Stepping over the threshold at the Honan Chapel at University College Cork requires the crossing of the signs of the zodiac in mosaic tile form.

It was created by a father and son artist duo who swapped tiles for rifles and went off to fight in the first World War, 100 years ago this month.

The father, Lehmann James Oppenheimer, died in a gas attack in France. His son Eric survived but went on to change his name to Newtown (his mother's maiden name) due to post war anti-German feeling.

For Culture Night at the Honan Chapel last night, historian James Cronin recounted the story of the father and son team, two artists who have "essentially been forgotten about", despite the elevated status of their commissions, which include the architecturally magnificent Cobh cathedral.

“The zodiac depicted medieval cosmology, the idea of images of creation giving honour and praise to God. It’s a very skilful reading of contemporary liturgical practice, nature poetry and heritage tradition,” Mr Cronin said.

Honan Commission

Paid for by the estate of Elizabeth Honan, the chapel was part of the Honan Commission that built Honan’s Hostel, a biomedical science building and the original dairy science building in the years after Elizabeth’s death in 1913.

“The university is a secular institution. Entering the Honan Chapel you move from one jurisdiction into another. We think today it’s part of the university, but it isn’t really.

“Even in its early foundation, it had more to do with serving the spiritual needs of those housed in the Catholic hostel – the Honan Hostel,” Mr Cronin said.

Across town, a trail of lucky ticket winners were making their way to a secret location for one of the most talked about events of the Cork culture line up.

Lisa Hannigan's Secret Gig had been moved from its outdoor spot at Elizabeth Fort to the Crawford Art Gallery, where an audience of about 75 were happy to have a roof over their heads as thunderous rain spilled down outside.