Mayfair Ballroom celebrated in permanent public art sculpture

Kilkenny-based visual artist Pauline O Connell was commissioned in 2024 to commemorate the former history of the Mayfair Ballroom 1943-1973, and its rejuvenation as a modern library.

‘Palimpsest’ (a cultural project that creatively intertwines history, music, literature, sculpture and social engagement) stallation consists of thirty-two bronze books, each featuring a song title referencing the most popular musical number 1 hit of that year.

These books are placed on wooden shelves inscribed with personal quotes from people who danced there during that period, providing insight into the social history of the era. Additionally, books that were previously banned from that time are interspersed throughout the installation.

Pauline O'Connell is an Irish multidisciplinary artist whose 30-year career utilises an expanded sculptural practice that focuses on themes of memory, history, and community and incorporates personal narratives and micro-histories to create spaces that bridge art and lived experience.

Reflecting on the work, she says:

“Palimpsest sheds light on the cultural tensions that have shaped our shared history and provides a platform for ongoing dialogue and meaningful community engagement. The goal was to acknowledge and transcend the complex legacies of the past, creating a space where history and memory can be revisited and transformed.

“This sculptural installation not only reflects the layers of our collective heritage but also integrates it into a vision for the present and future. This vision aims to unite and strengthen the entire community across gender, sexual orientation, race and class.”

As part of this project, the artist has invited cultural experts to respond by hosting workshops and talks in the library that aim to foster new dialogues and connections on various topics including:

- Blacklists and Whitelists: censoring reading in Ireland – a workshop by Dr. Aoife Bhreatnach historian, writer and podcaster on Saturday, October 19 from 2 pm-4pm. Booking is required as the workshop numbers are limited.

- Dance Halls and the Soft Revolution – a talk by Michael Twomey writer, filmmaker and historian on Saturday, November 9 from 2 pm-4 pm. No booking is required.

- Borrowing from the Past: Censorship and Sociability in the Public Spaces of Kilkenny - a talk by Dr. Gerry Kearns Professor of Human Geography at NUI Maynooth on Saturday, December 14 from 2pm to 4pm. No booking is required.

“This installation is a tribute to all the joy and togetherness that the ballroom brought to our community. It's a way to connect the past with the present as the building starts its new chapter as a public library” comments County Librarian, Josephine Coyne.

Guests will have the opportunity to experience O’ Connell’s artwork, explore the new library facilities which include state-of-the-art resources, and dedicated spaces for community events.