Lord Mayor of Dublin Vincent Jackson invited young people to discover the excitement of art yesterday at the launch of a children's book on Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane.
Written by Jessica O'Donnell, Discover Art: An introduction to art for young people, guides the young reader through the gallery's exhibits.
It uses simple language to explain individual paintings, sculptures and films, and offers an insight into the art-making process. It also includes ideas for activities, developed by artists who have participated in the Hugh Lane programmes for children.
The gallery, founded by Hugh Lane in 1908, houses an extensive collection of painting and sculpture from the mid-19th century to the present day.
According to Ms O'Donnell, acting head of collections at the gallery, the Francis Bacon studio is one of the most popular exhibits among young people.
The London studio was donated to the gallery after the artist's death in 1992 and reconstructed "like a jigsaw" in Dublin.
"Young people love the mess," Ms O'Donnell said. "It really strikes a chord with them."
The book explains the background to the studio and invites readers to re-create their own mini-Francis Bacon studio in a shoe box.
Ms O'Donnell said she hopes the book will make the gallery's collection more accessible and will encourage families to come in and look at the real works.
Speaking at the launch yesterday, the Lord Mayor said Discover Art was a "wonderful publication, written with great love and enthusiasm".
He said it was extremely user-friendly and would be a useful tool for schools and youth workers.
Copies of the book will be sent to all primary schools in Dublin city in the autumn and are available to buy at the gallery priced €12.99.
A summer family programme, including sketch clubs and art camps, will take place at the gallery until the end of August.
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