The life and achievements of Jennie Wyse Power (1858-1941) were celebrated on Friday 17 November 2023 at Baltinglass library in a very well-attended event curated by Jenny Sherwin and her team for Wicklow County Arts Office and Creative Places Baltinglass with the support of West Wicklow Historical Society (‘WWHS’).
The evening commenced with a lecture by Cora Crampton, Secretary of WWHS, who provided the audience with numerous insights into Wyse Power’s trail-blazing career as a pioneering politician and activist in the context of the tumultuous times in which she lived. Poet Jane Clarke recited her three poems, inspired by incidents in the life of Wyse Power. Sarah Bracken Soper spoke about how she crafted the beautiful portrait of Wyse Power, worked in textile and embroidery, which was formally unveiled on the night and will retain pride-of-place on the first-floor landing of the library.
A number of distinctive pieces of music were performed by violinist Cora Venus Lunny at intervals throughout the evening, which was made all the more memorable by the presence of Wyse Power’s great grand-daughter Terry Power. This was a very special night for the local community.
Photo (clockwise L to R) : Jenny Sherwin, Sarah Bracken Soper pictured beside the portrait of Jennie Wyse Power, Cora Crampton, Jane Clarke and Cora Venus Lunny.