Crafts Demonstrations
Ever wonder how the RDS National Crafts Competition makers create such beautiful objects?
Culture Night participants saw a sheep’s fleece being spun into a ball and participated in a felting workshop with artist Joanna Kidney.
Each year as part of Dublin Culture Night the RDS showcases aspects of its Foundation Programme and welcomes those who are not familiar with the work of the Society. This year, as the Society celebrates 280 years of contribution to Ireland’s economic and cultural development many RDS Members and members of the public came along to enjoy an evening of culture and entertainment. Culture Night took place on Friday, September 23, 2011.
RDS 280 Exhibition
Attendees at the Irish Antique Dealers' Fair at the RDS viewed a specially curated exhibition celebrating 280 years of the Society’s work. This was a unique opportunity to view the hidden gems from the Society’s collections including sculpture, painting, manuscripts, books, medals and trophies.
Irish Puppetry Presentations
An evening of short presentations showcased the history of Irish puppetry and demonstrated puppetry in all its forms. Martin Molony, a former professional puppeteer, and co-founder of The Moon & Sixpence Puppet Theatre, presented on the night.
RDS Tours
Two staff members led participants on a tour which reflected on the history of the RDS and its nearly three centuries of voluntary service. Attendees saw the RDS Historical Treasures and found out what the Natural History Museum, the National Botanic Gardens and the National Gallery all have in common.
RDS Science Live - Super Furry Animals
A hands-on opportunity to examine the characteristics of native and introduced fauna including ‘stuffed’ specimens of fox, badger, stoat, mink, rabbit, hare and leveret, children and adults were fascinated to be so close to some of Ireland's rarest and shyest wild animals. This is one of the workshops in the RDS Science Live Series.
Antiques @ the RDS
As expected, special guest Henry Sandon from the Antiques Roadshow was very popular as antique experts valued objects brought in by members of the public. Organised in association with the Irish Antiques Dealers' Association (IADA), afterwards guests enjoyed free access to the Irish Antique Dealers Fair.
Feathered Friends
Courtesy of the RDS Foundation Agriculture and Rural Affairs programme, hens, chickens and ducks from Farm Fowl, Co. Wicklow took up residence in the RDS Library where Culture Night participants enjoyed a chance to become more aware of the importance of agriculture in Ireland and learned about keeping poultry in an urban environment.
