“A Walk” is the name of the letter sculpture installed in the garden of Richmond Barracks. Commissioned by Dublin City Council, this piece was designed by artist Joanne Byrne and crafted from corten steel by A.D. Design.
The installation commemorates a short but significant moment in Irish history that took place at Richmond Barracks in 1916. Following the Easter Rising, over 3,000 suspected rebels were arrested and detained in the gymnasium of the barracks. Among these, 186 men and one woman, Countess Markievicz, were singled out for court-martial trials. During the first two weeks of May 1916, ninety people were sentenced to death, and fourteen, including the seven signatories of the proclamation, were executed at Kilmainham Gaol.
A Walk aims to stimulate contemplation and reflection on the historic walk taken by the leaders to and from their court-martial. It follows the outwards steps along the words ‘something to live for’. The phrase ‘something to die for’ accompanies their return, coveying the fate that hung over those who were executed and the uncertainty felt by others. This installation communicates the motivations and sacrifices of all who took part in the 1916 Rising.
The inspiration for the design came from an entry in Countess Markievicz's diary from 1892, which read, "Nature should provide me with something to live for, something to die for." Joanne Byrne felt this sentiment was both personal and universal, capturing the motivations, hopes, and fears of all those who made that fateful walk.
Byrne's artistic interpretation of Markievicz's words uses corten steel letters embedded into the earth, creating a path visitors can walk along. As you move along the installation, the quote unfolds, leaving you with the thought: "Nature should provide me with something to live for, something to die for." This message ensures that the spirit of Countess Markievicz and the significance of the events of 1916 are forever remembered at Richmond Barracks.
"A Walk" has been recognised for its impact and design excellence. It was shortlisted for the 2020 IDI Irish Design Awards and selected as one of the 100 notable Irish communication design projects of 2019 by the 100 Archive.
Joanne Byrne hopes that as visitors walk along the installation, they will connect with the site’s historical significance and reflect on the values and meanings of the words in their own lives.
Photo credit: A.D. Design