The Hermione Lectures have been a feature of the College year since 1896 thanks to an endowment by Hermione, Duchess of Leinster. Down through the decades, lecture topics have explored the art and architecture of our world and have seen many distinguished and celebrated people.
The College is proud of being the only Woman’s College to which an Art Lectureship is attached. These Lectures were arranged and planned by Evelyn Viscountess de Vesci as a fitting memorial to the Duchess who was a warm patron and keen lover of art. The endowment was made possible by the gift of an anonymous donor, which was presented to the Council through Lady de Vesci, and of which Lord de Vesci was Trustee. The fact that these Lectures were established in Alexandra College is due to the strong threefold tie of friendship which existed between the Duchess of Leinster, Lady de Vesci, and Miss H.M. White, Lady Principal of the College.
The Duchess’s interest in all that concerned the higher education of women was second only to her love of art; she not only watched over the interests of the College, but identified herself in every way with its objects and its work, even joining some of the classes, and thus encouraging the younger students by her gracious kindness. That there might be a visible memorial of her in the College, her son, the present Duke of Leinster, presented the fine white marble bust by Lanteri which stands‐ a beautiful representation of a beautiful women‐in the Jellicoe Hall corridor. The Lecture takes place in the Spring to coincide with the College who now hosts a highly successful annual Art Exhibition showing work by leading Irish artists. The Exhibition is now in its 16th year with the Lecture forming a very important part of the College calendar which we know encourages the further appreciation of art for our students and highlights the importance of art in education.
