IGI news
McHugh meets the Queen
April 01 2008
IGI member Jonathan McHugh was recently asked to contribute a number of illustrations for inclusion in a hardback coffee table book to mark the 400th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Schools in Ireland in 1608. The five Royal Schools - in Donegal, Cavan, Armagh, Tyrone and Fermanagh - all worked together to produce the book to mark the occasion and to focus on their long histories.
Jonathan’s illustrative contributions were specifically for the Royal School Armagh section of the book, depicting a few choice moments from the 400 years of history of the school. In tandem with the launch of the book was an exhibition at St Patrick’s Trian in Armagh, which included the original artwork alongside other material from the publication. The foreword of the book also featured personal messages of congratulations to the five schools involved from Queen Elizabeth II and from President Mary McAleese, and a preface by historian and author Jonathan Bardon.
The culmination of the 400th anniversary celebrations was a personal visit over Easter by The Queen to The Royal School Armagh, where she was presented with a copy of the book by pupils from the five schools.
The Royal Schools were founded in 1608 by King James I and are amongst the longest surviving non-church organisations on the island of Ireland.
More info can be found on www.beePencil.com
