Home News TV Listings Movies Music Video Photos Radio Extra Book Club RTÉ Guide

VisualArt News

Le Brocquy tapestry unveiled at RTÉ

A tapestry by Louis le Brocquy depicting a scene from the great Irish epic, 'Táin Bó Cuailgne', was unveiled in the new Television Programmes Building in RTÉ today by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, Síle de Valera, TD. The tapestry, measuring 4.45 x 6.83 metres, is entitled 'The Massing of the Armies' and is based on one of a series of images originally created by Louis le Brocquy to illustrate the acclaimed translation by Thomas Kinsella of the 'Táin', which was published in 1969 by the Dolmen Press. The epic tells the story of the Brown Bull of Cooley, a legendary beast which the formidable Queen Medhbh of Connacht wished to acquire as her own. She amassed a great army to come east and take the bull, but they came face to face with one of the greatest figures in Irish mythology, Cúchulainn.

'The Massing of the Armies' was commissioned as an integral feature of the new Programmes Building in accordance with public policy on the commissioning of original works of art for new public buildings. It is installed in the reception lobby. The tapestry shows black figures of men and horses against a white background and was woven in Aubusson, France by the master lissier, René Duché. A series of smaller le Brocquy tapestries based on the Táin images also woven by M Duché were on display in the Taylor Galleries in Dublin from November 9 to December 9. This show included a smaller, colour-inverted version of 'The Massing of the Armies'.

Dr Ronald Tallon of Scott Tallon Walker, architects of the award-winning new Television Programmes Building, suggested the tapestry to RTÉ as a Millennium project. Subsequently, RTÉ commissioned it from Louis le Brocquy for the new building. The making of the tapestry in Aubusson will be the subject of a forthcoming television programme by Tommy Gorman, RTÉ's Europe Correspondent.

add your own comment
User contributions and/or comments do not, unless specifically stated, represent the views of RTÉ.ie or RTÉ.
Click here for Terms of use

Must Watch TV

  • - The Irish Film and Television Awards
    Simon Delaney: back again to host the IFTAs

    9.40pm RTÉ One

    Simon Delaney hosts as the biggest star-studded event in the Irish calendar gets held at the Convention Centre Dublin, with the likes of Glenn Close, Michael Fassbender and Maria Doyle Kennedy all nominated. The features nominated for Best Film at IFTA 2012 are the period drama Albert Nobbs; Irish psychological thriller Charlie Casanova; black comedy The Guard, and rural drama Stella Days. Even if you're watching at home, it's recommended that you dress accordingly and leave a red mat outside your front door.

  • - The Jonathan Ross Show
    Jonathan Ross: Denzel Washington is among this week's guests

    9.15pm UTV

    On the show this week, Jonathan welcomes a host of acting talent: double Oscar winner, Denzel Washington, Keira Knightley, and British hardman-turned-Hollywood hunk, Tom Hardy. To top it all he's got the legendary Dionne Warwick singing live in the studio.

  • - Take Me Out
    Paddy McGuinness: more date-dealing for 30 single girls

    8.00pm UTV

    What do you mean 'It's rubbish!'? Of course it's rubbish, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy it. The irrepressible Paddy McGuinness tries to arrange more dates for his line-up of 30 single girls. Descending from the love lift this time around are: a farmer from Devon, a management consultant from Hull, a young Conservative from Manchester and a London architecture student. You can also see how the couples from last week survived the Isle of Fernando's.

  • - All Star Family Fortunes
    Vernon Kay: back for more Family Fortunes

    6.00pm UTV

    The classic family game show that stretches all the way back to the '70s returns for another run, starting off with teams consisting of TV presenter Carol Vorderman and her family playing astrologer (and Strictly Come Dancing contestant) Russell Grant and his family. Hosted by Vernon Kay, both celebrities and their families go head to head for the big money, and the chance to win up to a five-figure sum for the charity of their choice.

  • - Casualty
    Casualty: another busy night at Holby General

    9.20pm, BBC ONE

    Plenty of high drama at Holby General's A&E department as Zoe tries to convince Sam to sit down and talk to Keith Parr before he brings an action against Sam and the hospital. A troubled woman is brought into the ED after being hit by a lorry and Lloyd is quick to jump to conclusions about the driver. Meanwhile Linda has a chance to examine her feelings when Lenny tackles her about putting her niece and nephew into care.