Friends in Times – New Temporary Exhibition Launched at Sean Hollywood Arts Centre

‘Friends in Times’ is a new temporary exhibition currently on display at Sean Hollywood Arts Centre until the end of April. 

This unique exhibition, which was created by the Polish Embassy in Dublin, tells the story of Consul Waclaw Dobrzynski who played a central role in establishing diplomatic relations and friendship between the young states of Ireland and Poland in the twentieth century.

From the moment he set foot on the Emerald Isle, Dobrzynski became deeply infatuated with Ireland and her people. In total, he spent 34 years in Ireland, 25 of which were in diplomatic service, making him the longest-serving foreign diplomat in the history of the Irish State.  His tireless work was one of the factors behind Ireland’s refusal to recognise Communist Poland for longer than any other democratic state.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew said, “The exhibition is a fascinating insight into diplomatic relations in Ireland at crucial times in its history and demonstrates how the Irish connection with Poland still resonates strongly today”.

Ian Cantwell, Consul Dobrzynski’s grandson and the main researcher into his life, attended the launch of the exhibition in the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre. He spent several years traveling to Poland, Ukraine and Estonia discovering his family roots and stories related to his noble grandfather.

Ian is also about to publish a book telling the story of his grandfather's life.

You can view the exhibition at the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre from Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm and Saturday 9.30am to 12.30pm.