Exhibition launch ‘A history of the Claremont Institution: Ireland’s first school for deaf children’

DCU Library is delighted to announce that the official launch of the exhibition ‘A History of the Claremont Institution: Ireland’s first school for deaf children’ took place on Wednesday 9th November in DCU Library St Patrick’s Campus.

Rachel Pollard, creator and curator of the exhibition and author of ‘The Avenue: A history of the Claremont Institution’ was in attendance with Dr Elizabeth Mathews (School of Inclusive and Special Education, DCU St Patrick’s Campus). The launch was supported by the DCU Institute of Education and the School of Inclusive and Special Education and the exhibition is facilitated by DCU Library.

The exhibition explores the fascinating history of the Claremont Institution which was established by Dr Charles Orpen in 1816. Photographs, maps, drawings, letters and meticulously researched archival documents tell the story of the school's origins, pupils and teachers and the exhibition illustrates the school’s important social and historical legacy.  

The 200th anniversary of the opening of the Claremont School was commemorated in collaboration with DCU this year on the grounds of the original site off Griffith Avenue. You can read more about this event and the history of the school here. 

The exhibition will run until the end of November in the exhibition space on the ground floor of DCU Library St Patrick’s campus. It is open to members of the public.  

Pictured at the launch: Elizabeth Mathews (School of Inclusive and Special Education, DCU St Patrick’s Campus), Dr John Bosco Conama (Centre for Deaf Studies, Trinity College Dublin), Audrey Comana (Holy Family School for the Deaf), Rachel and Henry Pollard, Liam Breen (Deaf Heritage Centre).