A new temporary display of silver has opened in Galway City Museum, providing a chance to view rare works by Galway’s most renowned silversmith, Richard Joyce, the creator of the Claddagh Ring. Find out more here...
Launched by Chief Executive of Galway City Council, Leonard Cleary, and Irish entrepreneur Martin Dunphy, Founder of the Poleberry Foundation, at an event at the Museum on Friday 26th June, the new display demonstrates the liturgical and social significance of chalices in the early 18th century while showcasing the quality of Joyce’s silverwork.
On display are two silver chalices, dated 1730 and 1731, commissioned by Fr. Edmond Burke [Bourk] former parish priest of Killererin in North County Galway. The chalices were gifted by the family of a student, John Ambrose Murphy, in 1887 to Mount St Mary's, a Jesuit College in Lancashire, where they appear to have remained for over a century until appearing at auction last year.
The 1730 silver chalice bears the maker’s mark and the anchor "town" mark. An inscription around the base of the chalice reads: 'Pray for Edmond Bourk Parish Priest of Killereran & Family Who Bought Me For Y'e Hon'r of God & Use of Y'e Convent of Kinalehin An Dom 1730'.
The 1731 silver chalice also bears the maker's mark and the anchor "town" mark. The bowl is likely a later replacement. The inscription around the base reads: 'Pray for Edm'd Bourk Parish Priest of Killeran & Family Who Bought Me For Y'e Honour of God & Use of Y'e Conv't of Raffan 1731'.
Alongside the chalices, visitors can also view other pieces by Richard Joyce from the National Museum of Ireland Collection that demonstrate his skill and range as a silversmith; a Silver Monstrance dated 1726 that was used to display the consecrated Eucharistic host, and a Pepper Caster dated c.1730, a rare example of a piece of Galway silver designed for domestic use.
Highlighting, the significance of the chalices, Martin Dunphy, of the Poleberry Foundation, which is loaning the two Joyce chalices to Galway City Museum, said: "These chalices are not only exceptional examples of the craftsmanship of Richard Joyce, but also deeply important cultural and religious artefacts connected to the history of Galway and its people. Their survival, journey abroad, and eventual return to public view marks a true homecoming."
"The Poleberry Foundation is honoured to support their display in Galway City Museum, where they can once again be appreciated in the region where they were originally commissioned almost 300 years ago. We hope this exhibition offers visitors a meaningful insight into the artistic excellence and enduring legacy of Joyce’s work."
Chief Executive of Galway City Council, Leonard Cleary added; "We are delighted to be able to share these fine examples of Galway silver with the public and visitors with a special display at Galway City Museum, showcasing our shared heritage and instilling pride in our history and tradition, and ensuring the magnificence of these objects can be appreciated in the place they were commissioned and created in, almost three hundred years ago."
The display of Richard Joyce silver at Galway City Museum is now open and runs from July until March 2027.
Find out more via Galway City Museum's social media channels and website
Banner Photo: James Reynolds, Museum Technician placing the chalices in the Silver Room at Galway City Museum.
Second Photo: Early 18th century silver chalices made by Galway silversmith, Richard Joyce.
Third Photo: Martin and Teri Dunphy, of the Poleberry Foundation which has loaned the two silver chalices to Galway City Museum.
