Mór Artists collective reveals their exhibition of new works at Fota House.
Mór Artists Collective, in partnership with Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens, invited members to respond to one of Ireland’s most unique and notably rich historical resources — the Fota House Wallpaper Collection.
Beneath the Layers is open at Fota House from June 9 to June 22, 2025 from 11am to 3pm daily.
The project offers a rare opportunity to view contemporary responses to an extraordinary collection of 18th to 20th Century wallpaper samples, collected over decades by Irish conservation architect John O’Connell, and donated to Fota House in 2004.
The collection includes over 275 wallpaper samples sourced from stately homes across Ireland, featuring everything from intricate Chinese wallpapers and leather wall coverings, to delicate tracings and fragments that offer insights into interior styles of past centuries. This archive has never before been interpreted in this way, granting exclusive access to artists for research and inspiration.
26 of the 48 member collective of artists across East Cork and West Waterford have responded in diverse media, including painting, written work, collage, sound installation and more.
“The Fota House Wallpaper Collection is a treasure trove of design, craftsmanship, and cultural history,” says Martina Madden, Museum Standards & Property Coordinator, Fota House. “Through Beneath the Layers, we are thrilled to open a new chapter in how this unique archive is experienced — not just as a historical resource, but as a living source of artistic inspiration. It’s a privilege to collaborate with Mór Artists Collective and to see contemporary artists bring fresh perspective and meaning to this remarkable collection.”
Jessica Bonenfant, Creative Director of Greywood Arts, Killeagh, who facilitates the Mór Artists Collective, adds, “we’re delighted to showcase the incredible breadth of creative talent in East Cork and West Waterford, as can be seen across the number of new works responding to the wallpaper collection. It’s a unique and exciting opportunity to engage with Fota House behind the scenes, bringing contemporary art and historic design together with wild imagination.”
A public reception Thursday, June 12 at 6pm provides an opportunity to meet the artists.
Admission to the exhibition is free, parking is €3 per visit and funds are used for the continued care and development of Fota House for future generations.
Mór Artists Collective is an artists-led membership organisation for artists living and working professionally in the visual, performing, and literary arts in rural East Cork and West Waterford. Mór Artists Collective endeavours to raise the profiles of member artists in our community, and more broadly to heighten awareness of the quality and diversity of the talented artists that live, work and teach in our region.
Mór Artists Collective is facilitated by Greywood Arts and supported by Cork County Council and Waterford County & City Arts offices.
