Huge thanks to the James Joyce Centre – especially Director Darina Gallagher and Assistant Director Josh Newman – for hosting the launch of my book “Lucia Joyce: Full Capacity” on Saint Lucia’s Day (December 13th), 2024! It was a magical lunchtime event by the fire in the Maginni rooom (a Mecca to dancing), on the day that the Joyce family traditionally lit candles in Lucia’s honour. Professor Luke Gibbons kindly launched the book, and as you can see, had the attendees spellbound. It was a fitting event for misunderstood artist Lucia Joyce, whose artistic achievements are highlighted and put into cultural context by this meticulously researched, illustrated book, in an effort to restore her to the Irish cultural canon.
Thanks to everybody who came along to support this activism – they were a most esteemed bunch as you can see from the photographs below. Lucia Joyce died in Northampton forty two years ago at the age of 76, on December 12th, 1982 – the eve of her Saint’s Day. Long live Lucia’s artistic legacy. I invite you to consider what that legacy might be, by reading this booklet. Please get in touch for further information as to how to acquire a copy.
Also, thanks to Frank McNally for giving a nod to the book launch, and to the meaning of Saint Lucia’s Day (which was winter solstice in the Julian calendar), in his Irish Times column, which you can read here.
Let there be light.
Lucia Joyce Full Capacity Limited Edition Book
Luke Gibbons gives a riveting speech to launch ‘Lucia Joyce: Full Capacity’, on Saint Lucia’s Day, 2024
Luke Gibbons launching ‘Lucia Joyce: Full Capacity’. His gesture echoes that of Lucia from a century before, behind him (have a close look on the mantlepiece).
Josh Newman, assistant director of James Joyce Centre and the esteemed audience, including printer Cormac O’Hanrahan, Photographer Sean Hillen, and Actor Jack Walsh
Writer/ Director Peter Sheridan and the esteemed audience, including Susan Leybourne (Ulysses 100) at the Saint Lucia’s Day book launch
Actress Rachael Dowling (who played Lily in John Huston’s ‘The Dead’), the author, and Luke Gibbons
Photographer Sean Hillen, with Photographer Mella Travers in the background (photo by Mark O’Connor)
Actor/ Musician Mark O’Connor and Photographer Sean Hillen
Marie Hackett (Limerick Literary Weekend, formerly French Consul to the Midwest), and Deirdre Mulrooney
Deirdre addresses the esteemed audience
James Joyce Centre Director Darina Gallagher and the esteemed audience
The James Joyce Centre’s Maginni Room: Historic Mecca for Dancing – there could not be a more fitting place to launch ‘Lucia Joyce: Full Capacity’!
Marie Hackett, the author, designer Jules Hackett (pic by Mella Travers)
Luke Gibbons, Mark O’Connor, DM, Historian Patrick Doyle, with James Joyce himself
At the Portal of Discovery with James Joyce on Abbey Street, Saint Lucia’s Day 2024: Professor Luke Gibbons, the author Deirdre Mulrooney, Historian Patrick Doyle, Photographer Mella Travers
Poet Caitríona Lane