Peace heroines of Northern Ireland honoured in special exhibition hosted by GW4 Alliance research network
The GW4 Island of Ireland Contemporary History and Politics Network , in collaboration with Cardiff University and the Consulate General of Ireland, Cardiff, are to host a special exhibition which celebrates the strength and resilience of women fundamental to the peace process in Northern Ireland.
The touring Peace Heroines Exhibition features digital reproductions of striking portraits of nine peace activists, which were originally created by leading Irish contemporary visual artist FRIZ. The portraits were first commissioned by multi-disciplinary platform, Herstory, to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement in 2023.
The featured activists; Pat Hume, Bronagh Hinds, Eileen Weir, Susan McRory, Saidie Patterson, Monica McWilliams, Pearl Sagar, Anne Carr and Baroness May Blood, were all chosen to highlight their invaluable contribution and firm commitment to the Northern Ireland peace process, in a variety of roles, across community and government level.
The official arrival of the exhibition will be marked with a dedicated launch event, taking place on Wednesday 26 March, from 17:30 at Cardiff University’s Viriamu Jones (VJ) Gallery. The event will feature talks by Dr Sophie Whiting, Co-Investigator on the GW4 Island of Ireland Contemporary History and Politics Network and Senior Lecturer in Politics, Languages & International Studies at the University of Bath, alongside Peace Heroines Bronagh Hinds and Eileen Weir.
Eileen joined the Ulster Defence Association at 16 but left after questioning its objectives, dedicating over 20 years to trade unionism and campaigning for women’s and community rights; she now works as a community relations worker at the Shankill Women’s Centre in Belfast. Bronagh co-founded the Northern Ireland Women's Rights Movement in 1975 and later the Northern Ireland Women's European Platform. In 1996, she co-founded the Northern Ireland Women's Coalition, serving as chief strategist, managing its election to the peace talks, and acting as a senior advisor and negotiator of the Good Friday Agreement.
Commenting, Consul General of Ireland Denise McQuade said: “These unique artworks by FRIZ recognise the Peace Heroines for their firm commitment to the Northern Ireland peace process. As well as capturing the unmistakeable strength and resilience of these women, the portraits highlight the contribution of women from all walks of life in Northern Ireland to peace, cross-community dialogue and reconciliation.
“The exhibition was commissioned to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. The Consulate General of Ireland, Cardiff is pleased to have this opportunity to share the story of Northern Ireland’s Peace Heroines in Wales.”
The event will be chaired by Dr Thomas Leahy, Senior Lecturer in British and Irish Politics and Contemporary History at Cardiff University, and Principal Investigator of the GW4 Island of Ireland Contemporary History and Politics Network.
Initially funded through the GW4 Alliance’s Building Communities programme, the Network brings together academics and researchers from the GW4 universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter to explore a range of themes in Irish and Northern Irish contemporary history and politics.
Speaking on the significance of the exhibition, Dr Leahy, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working together with the Consulate General of Ireland, Cardiff in hosting Friz' Peace Heroines Exhibition at Cardiff University, alongside hosting an event to mark its launch.
“It's vital for our GW4 Network to help showcase, in England and Wales, key moments of the conflict, peace process and politics on the island of Ireland. Having the opportunity to represent the views and experiences of key women involved in the peace process is absolutely essential to societal understanding of all aspects of the conflict and peace process. The event also underscores the ability of the GW4 universities to come together to host important events on our topic for students, staff and the general public alike.”
The Peace Heroines Exhibition by FRIZ is open to all, and free to attend, and will be on display from Wednesday 26 March 2025 – Friday 11 April 2025, from 09:00 – 18:00 at the Viriamu Jones (VJ) Gallery, Main Building, Cardiff University, CF10 3AT. For further information, please email events.cardiff@dfa.ie
Those wishing to attend the launch event should register in advance using Eventbrite. Please note that the number of places available for this are limited
Image credit: Consulate General of Ireland, Cardiff, c/o of Embassy of Ireland in London.
“We are absolutely delighted to be working together with the Consulate General of Ireland, Cardiff in hosting Friz' Peace Heroines Exhibition at Cardiff University, alongside hosting an event to mark its launch.
It's vital for our GW4 Network to help showcase, in England and Wales, key moments of the conflict, peace process and politics on the island of Ireland. Having the opportunity to represent the views and experiences of key women involved in the peace process is absolutely essential to societal understanding of all aspects of the conflict and peace process. The event also underscores the ability of the GW4 universities to come together to host important events on our topic for students, staff and the general public alike.”
