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Drawing Support: Murals in the North of Ireland
This is the first of the world-renowned Drawing Support books by sociologist Professor Bill Rolston, first published in 1992. Each of the books is an important and unique historical record of imagery relating to conflict and peace.
Like them or loathe them, they cannot be ignored. The political wall murals of the North of Ireland are an integral part of loyalist and republican communities. In its murals each group displays its hopes and fears, struggles and aspirations. Sometimes the murals are long-lived, more often their existence is fleeting. This unique collection of photographs captures a large section of the murals in their original colour and grandeur. It provides a revealing glimpse into the ideologies of the communities which produce this lively political art.
Contents
Introductory essay:
Loyalist murals; republican murals; sources themes and process; the murals of Mo Chara; conflict and propaganda.
Loyalist murals:
King Billy; Loyalist flags; Red Hand of Ulster; Historical events; Military images; Humorous and miscellaneous.
Republican murals:
Hunger strike; Military images; Elections; Historical and mythological; Repression and resistance; Prison; International.
Mo Chara/Gerard Kelly:
12 pages of text, 60 pages of photographs (112 plates)
Like them or loathe them, they cannot be ignored. The political wall murals of the North of Ireland are an integral part of loyalist and republican communities. In its murals each group displays its hopes and fears, struggles and aspirations. Sometimes the murals are long-lived, more often their existence is fleeting. This unique collection of photographs captures a large section of the murals in their original colour and grandeur. It provides a revealing glimpse into the ideologies of the communities which produce this lively political art.
Contents
Introductory essay:
Loyalist murals; republican murals; sources themes and process; the murals of Mo Chara; conflict and propaganda.
Loyalist murals:
King Billy; Loyalist flags; Red Hand of Ulster; Historical events; Military images; Humorous and miscellaneous.
Republican murals:
Hunger strike; Military images; Elections; Historical and mythological; Repression and resistance; Prison; International.
Mo Chara/Gerard Kelly:
12 pages of text, 60 pages of photographs (112 plates)
60 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 1994
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
August 11, 2020
When I went to Northern Ireland, I was absolutely fascinated by the murals, and a tour of them was one of my favorite parts of the trip. When I got home, I tried to find books about the murals, but I was surprised to find out there isn't much out there, and I couldn't find any books. I was very disappointed.
After reading a book on The Troubles recently, which did discuss some murals briefly, I tried again, and discovered Bill Rolston's slim series, Drawing Support. There are four, and this is the first. I felt lucky to be able to acquire them used (still waiting on the fourth to come in).
I wish there was more, and I wish the book was set up differently. There is a brief essay in the beginning that goes through some main points and history, mentioning certain murals. It would be more effective if this info was paired with the mural or murals. I'd also love some more development on ideas, especially as someone who is not well-versed in the history. Still, it's a good overview and the murals are FASCINATING.
After reading a book on The Troubles recently, which did discuss some murals briefly, I tried again, and discovered Bill Rolston's slim series, Drawing Support. There are four, and this is the first. I felt lucky to be able to acquire them used (still waiting on the fourth to come in).
I wish there was more, and I wish the book was set up differently. There is a brief essay in the beginning that goes through some main points and history, mentioning certain murals. It would be more effective if this info was paired with the mural or murals. I'd also love some more development on ideas, especially as someone who is not well-versed in the history. Still, it's a good overview and the murals are FASCINATING.
Displaying 1 of 1 review