I took one of the tours of the empty Crawford in Cork... here's what I saw
The Crawford Art Gallery in Cork is mostly empty in preparation for a major overhaul to begin on the building early next year.
As a regular visitor to the Crawford Art Gallery over the past 50 years, I have always delighted in its exhibitions. Now that the Crawford has closed for a €93-million refurbishment – the largest single cultural investment ever made in Cork – most of its 3,500 artworks have been moved to off-site storage.
Last Thursday, I was fortunate to join Crawford Uncovered, a tour of the empty building led by director Mary McCarthy and architect Gareth O’Callaghan, a board member. We walked through familiar areas – the galleries and café – as well as spaces usually hidden from public view – back stairs, storage rooms, offices and the conservation lab. Here's what to watch out for if you're lucky enough to get on one of the other tours:
