Between June 22^nd and August 5^th 2015 in dlr LexIcon, the striking county library in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, the Irish public and foreign visitors had the opportunity to get acquainted with the life and work of this giant of Czech literature. On display was an enlightening exhibition entitled ‘The Life and Work of Writer Karel Čapek 1880-1938’, which came courtesy of the Museum of Karel Čapek in Stará Huť (near to the Czech town of Dobříš). This exhibition included a documentary from director Josefa Císařovský, a representative selection of 40 volumes of English translations of Čapek’s work, as well as studies published in English on Čapek. As well as giving a biographical overview of Čapek’s life and writing career both as a journalist and author, the exhibited displays highlighted some of the core values and concepts which underpinned much of his work.

The official opening ceremony on June 30^th, hosted by Ambassador Hana Mottlová, was attended by leading local representative Barry Saul TD, as well as County Librarian Mairead Owens. Ambassador Mottlová spoke eloquently about Čapek’s ties to Ireland and his artistic influence on Irish drama.

Prior to arriving in Dún Laoghaire the exhibition was previously on display in Trinity College Dublin, one of Ireland’s most prestigious educational institutions, from May 7^th to 10^th. This was timed to coincide with the annual conference of the Irish Association of Russian, Central and Eastern European Studies. More than one hundred Slavists from Ireland and abroad had an opportunity to see the exhibition and accompanying documentary film.

These events were organised to mark both the 125^th anniversary of the birth of Karel Čapek and the 70^th anniversary of the ending of World War II in Europe, while also reflecting some of his political and social attitudes during the inter-war period.

The Ambassador and the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Dublin would like to express our deep gratitude to the Museum of Karel Capek, and to Mrs. Věra Čapek, for the loan of some books. We would also like to acknowledge the invaluable cooperation and support of the management of the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown county library.

Photos from the exhibition on 30 June 2015 in Dún Laoghaire:

 

From left: Mairead Owens, Director of Dún Laoghaire - Rathdown County Council Public Libraries, Ambassador Hana Mottlová
 

 

 

Photos from the exhibition at Trinity College Dublin: