The 1916 Rising
Permanent Display
General Post Office — Dublin, Ireland
orman Teeling created ten 36in x 50in oil on canvas depictions of historic moments occurring during The 1916 Rising, Easter week, April 24 to April 30, 1916. An Post acquired the suite in 1998 and has honoured the works with permanent display at the epicentre of The Rising, The General Post Office, on O'Connell Street in Dublin.
The GPO was designed in 1814 by Francis Johnston. Neo-Classical in architecture, it is one of Dublin's most imposing edifices. Scars from the gunfire can still be seen in the portico and on the Ionic order columns. The foyer is where the history of The 1916 Rising is displayed in an exquisitely researched sequence of paintings by Norman Teeling.
The National Library of Ireland's online exhibition, The 1916 Rising: Personalities and Perspectives, offers a brilliant overview of the times.
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The Signing of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic in Liberty Hall, Dublin. The signatories were Thomas J. Clarke, Sean MacDiarmada, P.H. Pearse, James Connolly, Thomas MacDonagh, Eamonn Ceannt and Joseph Plunkett.
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Freedom fighters outside the GPO, Dublin. Their aspirations not solely for freedom from British rule, but to create an Ireland where all people could be free to accomplish their potential, regardless of their wealth, class or religion.
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Patrick Henry Pearse – Pádraig Anraí Mac Piarais – Commander in Chief of all Republican forces in the field during The Easter Rising, read the Proclamation of the Irish Republic he authored from the steps of the GPO, Dublin.
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The Irish Republic flag is raised by a volunteer atop the GPO, Dublin.
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The beginning of the siege, showing the interior of the GPO, Dublin.
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Michael Collins returned from London to Ireland and served as aide to Joseph Plunkett in the GPO during Easter week. Afterwards he was interned at Frongoch, north Wales, released at Christmas 1916 and returned again to Ireland. Immediately he set about the rebuilding of the Irish Republican Brotherhood.
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James Connolly, commander of the Dublin forces, wounded, being comforted by his comrades at the GPO, Dublin. The words of the Proclamation which "Guarantee equal rights and equal opportunities to all citizens, civil and religious liberty" can be traced directly to the influence of Connolly.
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The burning of the GPO, Dublin. From Thursday 27th April the GPO was entirely cut off from other rebel garrisons. Next day it came under a ferocious artillery attack which also devastated much of central Dublin.
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The siege of the GPO, Dublin is ended. By Friday 28th April, the 1,600 rebels were facing 20,000 soldiers.
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With the assent of the leadership, Pádraig Pearse surrenders. Saturday 29th April, 1916. Having fought with discipline and skill, they surrendered their stronghold rather than fight to the last volunteer. Pearse would later be elected President of the Provisional Government of Ireland.
