On schools of design in Ireland

Abstract

The government having decided on establishing Schools of Ornamental Design in Ireland, and parliament having accordingly voted the sum of #1500 for the organization of such schools in Belfast, Dublin, and Cork, I conceive it to be of interest and importance, in connexion with the objects of this society, to bring before its consideration the effects that are likely to arise from the action of these institutions, both with respect to the developement of certain existing manufactures and trades, the establishment of others, the employment of our population, and the manner in which the tastes created and the information disseminated through these schools are calculated to exert an influence on different sections of the Irish people. Having been for some time past engaged, in concert with other individuals, in preparing for the organization of the Belfast school, some facts have come within my knowledge which I think it desirable to communicate to the society, trusting that the attention already bestowed on the subject by some of its members may lead to suggestions for the guidance of the schools in the direction which it may appear most judicious to give to their labours.