PICTURES | Edgeworthstown to host wonderful Jane Austen Friendship Postcards exhibition

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A major UK–Ireland creative collaboration celebrating Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary has arrived in Edgeworthstown as the local library hosts the Friendship Postcards exhibition from Monday, April 20 to Saturday, May 16. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO 

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The exhibition brings together more than 800 creative postcards created by young people aged 13–18 from thirty-five schools across Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England. 

Each postcard offers a fresh and imaginative interpretation of the theme “Friendship”, inspired by excerpts from Jane Austen’s novels, the work of her Irish contemporary Maria Edgeworth, and illustrations from the National Library of Ireland’s Prints & Drawings Collection.

The postcards showcase a wide range of artistic responses, including writing, printmaking, drawing and painting, demonstrating how young people are engaging with classic literature and reimagining its themes for today’s world.

Following its launch in Dublin, the exhibition travelled to Jane Austen’s House in England, and has now arrived in Edgeworthstown – the home place of Maria Edgeworth, one of Ireland’s most influential nineteenth-century writers. 

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Its arrival in Edgeworthstown brings the project full circle by celebrating the literary connection between Austen and Edgeworth.

“We are delighted to welcome this wonderful exhibition to Edgeworthstown,” said Kim Taylor, Head Librarian in Edgeworthstown. 

She added, “It is particularly fitting that a project celebrating the friendship and literary influence of Jane Austen and Maria Edgeworth should come to Edgeworth’s home place. The creativity and insight shown by these young artists demonstrates how these writers continue to inspire new generations.”

The Maria Edgeworth Visitor Centre extended thanks to Longford Library Services for hosting the exhibition at Edgeworthstown Library and helping to make this inspiring collection accessible to the local community and visitors alike.

Janine Roder of the Maria Edgeworth Visitor Centre remarked, “We are also very grateful to the teams at the British Council Ireland and the National Library of Ireland for developing such an imaginative and meaningful project.” 

Ms Roder continued, “By bringing together young voices from across these islands, the exhibition highlights the enduring connection between Jane Austen and Maria Edgeworth and reminds us how important and relevant Edgeworth’s work remains today.” 

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The Centre also wishes to thank everyone who helped bring the exhibition to Edgeworthstown, particularly Fergal Kennedy of St Louis Secondary School, Dundalk, for his support in organising the project’s visit.

The exhibition runs from Monday, April 20 to Saturday, May 16, leading up to the town’s annual Maria Edgeworth Festival, which celebrates the life and legacy of the celebrated writer.

Visitors, schools and literature enthusiasts are warmly invited to visit Edgeworthstown Library and explore this vibrant display of creativity connecting young voices, literary heritage and the enduring theme of friendship.

Admission is free and the exhibition can be visited during Edgeworthstown Library opening hours.

For more information about Maria Edgeworth Visitor Centre visiting times and Maria Edgeworth Festival (Friday, May 15 to Sunday, May 17) events, please visit https://mariaedgeworthcenter.com/events/