News
History comes full circle in Killarney
A
A KEY part of the historically and culturally significant Yeats Family Collection has found its way to Killarney thanks to KC Print.
It has been a case of from one family-owned printing company to another as KC Print, sister company of Killarney Advertiser, took delivery on Tuesday of a sought-after lot of printing blocks that went under the hammer at Sotheby’s, London, last month along with the rest of the collection.
A century-old box landed at the Upper Lissivigeen offices, full to the brim with 30 printing blocks, including The Circus by Jack B Yeats, a metal-plate printing block on wood. The printing blocks cover a wide range of dates from 1919.
They originated at a private family-owned business, Cuala Press, which was set up in 1908 by Elizabeth Yeats and her brother, the poet William Butler Yeats.
Established almost a century later, KC Print is another young printing company so the printing blocks could not have found a better home. “It is wonderful to have these items back in Ireland and we are very proud of their retention in their home country,” said KC Print founder and managing director Cormac Casey.
KC Print’s financial controller Patrick Rowe said: “When I first heard about the auction of the Yeats family Collection I had a look through the online catalogue, more out of curiosity than anything else. I eventually came across Lot 200 (the collection of printing blocks from Jack B Yeats and Cuala Press) and we decided that KC Print would be the perfect home. After registering on the Sotheby's site I was able to access live video and audio streaming of their London auction rooms. I had never bid in an auction before and so was slightly unnerved by the knowledge that each mouse-click represented dramatic increments! Fortunately the other bidder dropped out before I reached our upper-limit and the printing blocks were ours.”
A keen historian, KC Print’s creative director Damien Switzer has already been busy curating the treasure trove which includes blocks by other artists as well as Jack B Yeats. Damien said: “Since their arrival I have discovered some of the pieces are blocks from other very accomplished artists…. to be revealed soon!”
Meanwhile, Killarney will also be welcoming home another part of the collection, as a portrait by John Butler Yeats returns to Muckross House after 145 years. This painting was acquired by the State at the same auction.
Above: Pictured at KC Print after opening the box of printing blocks from the Yeats Family Collection are Damien Switzer, Evan Casey, Noelle Casey and Patrick Rowe.
Contactless payments launched on Local Link services
Passengers using TFI Local Link Kerry services in Killarney and across the county can now pay for their journeys using...
How will our Kerry TDs vote tomorrow?
Tomorrow, Sinn Féin will be tabling a motion of no confidence against the Government after the protests that took place...
Town centre-based software firm marks two years in business
A Killarney-based software company is celebrating two years in business since expanding into the European market. QT9 Software Ltd, which...
High-profile keynote speaker at Chamber lunch
The vastly experienced Liam Hession, a partner with BDO – one of the world’s leading accountancy and advisory firms –...
MARIE MEETS: No use crying over spilt milk… Unless it’s Mike’s last round
By Marie Carroll O’Sullivan. So, what does almost four decades on the road as a milkman look like when it...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
