NIVAL-gazing: Mairead M. Johnston's fashion catalogues comes to the National Irish Visual Arts Library (NIVAL) @ NCAD as part of the Liberties Festival, on Wednesday 22 July 2026 at 1:15pm. Emerging curator Amelia O'Mahony-Brady explores NIVAL's collection of exhibition catalogues by Mairead M. Johnston. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of €5. Book on TakeYourSeats.ie.
Key facts
- Event: NIVAL-gazing: Mairead M. Johnston's fashion catalogues
- Curator: Amelia O'Mahony-Brady
- Part of: Liberties Festival
- Venue: National Irish Visual Arts Library (NIVAL) @ NCAD, 100 Thomas Street, Dublin
- Date: Wednesday 22 July 2026 at 1:15pm (doors 1:05pm)
- Tickets: Free, with a suggested donation of €5
- Booking: TakeYourSeats.ie
About the event
Join emerging curator Amelia O'Mahony-Brady to explore NIVAL's collection of exhibition catalogues by Mairead M. Johnston. These catalogues form a rare record of Mairead's Travelling Museum of Costume; a trailblazing project that brought museum-quality fashion into schoolhouses, shopping centres and other community spaces. A Warrenmount alumna, Mairead worked with local antiques dealers and factory workers to grow her collection, while her biggest exhibition – Footprints in Fashion (1978) – was staged in St. Catherine's Church. Amelia's talk will reintroduce this lost chapter of Liberties fashion and rewrite the myth that Ireland has no meaningful history of fashion curation.
What to expect
A curator's talk by Amelia O'Mahony-Brady on Mairead M. Johnston's exhibition catalogues at NIVAL @ NCAD. Doors open at 1:05pm for a 1:15pm start.
Frequently asked questions
When is NIVAL-gazing: Mairead M. Johnston's fashion catalogues on?
One session: Wednesday 22 July 2026 at 1:15pm at the National Irish Visual Arts Library (NIVAL) @ NCAD.
How much are tickets?
Admission is free, with a suggested donation of €5.
Who is leading it?
Emerging curator Amelia O'Mahony-Brady.
What time should I arrive?
Doors open at 1:05pm for a 1:15pm start.
Where can I book?
Tickets are available through TakeYourSeats.ie.
Tickets and how to book
Admission to NIVAL-gazing: Mairead M. Johnston's fashion catalogues is free, with a suggested donation of €5. Places can be booked now through TakeYourSeats.ie.
