Archive of the Month
The Art of Commemoration
An Illuminated Address from Cork, Cloyne & Ross.
By Rachel Bennett, Assistant Archivist, RCB Library
With the upcoming retirement of the Rt Revd Paul Colton as Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross the RCB Library is in the process of arranging his extensive archive. In addition, to his own papers, Bishop Colton has also taken care to gather up additional materials that have been passed through the generations from some of his predecessors.
One such item is a magnificent, illuminated address, originally presented in 1894 to the Honourable Rt Revd Robert Samuel Gregg, Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross from 1874 to 1893 to mark his appointment as Archbishop of Armagh (the diocese to which he was translated) in 1894. The presentation of an illuminated address was used to commemorate a specific occasion, such as a marriage, promotion or retirement, with addresses reaching their height of popular at the turn of the 20th century. It was commissioned from illuminated artists who specialised in this intricate work by those wishing to honour recipient, and often such a presentation was made at a formal ceremony with an audience.
In this particular case, the illuminated address was presented to Robert Samuel Gregg by the clergy of Cork, Cloyne & Ross in recognition of his long career and service of 16 years. It’s possible that such an event took place in the Palace in Cork, where successive bishops have lived, or one of the diocesan cathedrals. Its unveiling would have wowed the bishop and onlookers when it was revealed.
This Archive of the Month explores this newly catalogued item (MS 1189), and furthermore aims to capture and bring to life its content which is rich in imagery and symbolism, by digitising the address and making it viewable online (click here). Gregg was born in 1834 in Kilsallaghan, Co. Dublin and is acknowledged as a significant and influential figure in the Church of Ireland in the 19th century. Raised in a clerical household, Gregg demonstrated an interest both in academics and religious life. Studying mathematics at Trinity College, Gregg graduated in 1856 as a junior moderator and in this same year he was ordained. His early clerical career would take him to Rathcooney, Co. Cork where he would meet his future wife, Eleanor Bainbridge, who he married in 1863 and had two children, John and Amy.
After a succession of appointments, including as rector of Christ Church in Belfast (1859–1862), he was appointed as the Dean of Cork in 1874 and soon after the Bishop of Ossory (1874– 1878). At this time, his father, John Gregg was serving as the Bishop of Cork, Cloyne & Ross. Upon his father’s death in 1878 Gregg was selected to succeed his father and transferred to Cork. Most notably in this role, Gregg completed significant restoration work to St Finn Barres cathedral, a task which had initially been undertaken by his father. After 16 years in Cork, when the primacy became vacant, Gregg was appointed as Archbishop of Armagh in 1894, a post in which he remained only two years until his sudden death in 1896.
Archbishop Gregg is remembered today for his measured leadership during the significant social and political changes of disestablishment. Most notably, the in–depth finance scheme which he conceived for the diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, which proved so successful it was later introduced in all parishes via the Irish Church Act of 1869.
The illuminated address captures the high regard of his clergy for his dedicated work. It was completed by John & Florence Gilbert of 20 Patrick St, Cork. This father and daughter team were well known locally in the late 19th and early 20th century for producing a number of significant illuminated works.
Though little information survives about the pair, it is known that John Gilbert was born in 1835 in Newcastle, England. As an adult, Gilbert and his wife Kate immigrated to Ireland where their nine children were born, including daughter Florence in 1865, who later collaborated with him on illumination work. Gilbert worked primarily as an optician, listing himself in the 1901 census as an optician, print seller and illuminator, while his daughter Florence is described solely as an illuminator. Many advertisements for their business can be found in the Cork Examiner for their Patrick Street store, both for optical services and illumination artwork.
In addition to his work, Gilbert was deeply religious as well as passionate about art and music. An accomplished watercolourist, he exhibited at the Royal Hibernian Academy and at the Cork Exhibition in 1902 and 1903 as well as producing commentary on local art including writing for the Cork Historical and Archaeological Society Journal ‘A record of authors, artists and musical composers born in the County Cork’. John Gilbert died on the 8th of August 1915.
The Gilbert family were member’s of the Church of Ireland, so it is no surprise that the Clergy of the diocese would turn to them to commission this particular illuminated address. The volume created by John and Florence, is preserved in a large, leather–bound book with gold embossing on the front cover, which reads “Address to the Lord Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland from the Clergy of the United Dioceses of Cork, Cloyne and Ross,” while the inside is inscribed: “Illuminated by John & Florence Gilbert, Cork.”
The front page of the address features ornate imagery in the margin including a medieval style lion, with inspiration likely taken from early 15th century manuscripts. Lions were used commonly to symbolise strength, courage and fortitude. In addition to the decorative border, at the bottom of the page we see both the Armagh and Cork diocesan coats of arms, symbolising Gregg’s transition from Cork to Armagh. The purpose of this specific address from the clergy of Cork, Cloyne and Ross is to acknowledge Gregg’s role as bishop and the strong bond that had developed with the diocese.
On the second page of the address in the top left–hand corner an angel frames the page, symbolising the message of God. We also see on this page the first beautiful miniature painting in watercolour, highlighting various churches, likely completed by John Gilbert. These architectural portraits which feature throughout the address are arguably the most refined images, highlighting Gilbert’s eye for detail. In total there are nine of these miniatures within the illumination, highlighting buildings of significance to Gregg including St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Cork as well as Cloyne Cathedral and Ross Cathedral in the village of Rosscarbery.
Throughout the manuscript there is also significant use of floral motifs, which were commonly used in illuminations for both ornamental and symbolic reasons. Some of the motifs included are daisies representing innocence and adoration, pansies representing remembrance and meditation and oak leaves, representing strength of faith and virtue.
This illuminated address is both a significant artistic work and an important historical document. It not only highlights Gregg’s distinguished career and his strong connection between the diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, it is also a notable artwork within its own context by two relatively unknown artists.
Now held within the RCB Library’s collection, digitization allows us to share its beauty with a worldwide audience for the first time. By sharing this work it offers valuable insight into the cultural, religious, and artistic practices of the late 19th century, preserving the legacy of both its recipient and creators. To view the complete digitisation please click here