The President of the Academy, Mick O’Dea PRHA, presented the Royal Hibernian Academy’s Gold Medal to Dr. Nicola Figgis, Prof. Paula Murphy, Carmel Naughton and Prof. James Slevin during the 185th RHA Annual Exhibition Varnishing Day on May 24th 2015.
This year the Academy awarded its Gold Medal to the innovative team who conceived and initiated the Art and Architecture of Ireland project. During his citation Mick O’Dea noted that Dr. Nicola Figgis, Professor Paula Murphy, Mrs. Carmel Naughton and Professor James Slevin RIA, brought breath, depth and experience to this truly historical task. Mick O’Dea PRHA also noted that The Gold Medal was our, the artists, way of thanking them for their commitment.
The RHA has awarded a Gold Medal since 1994 to persons who have made significant contributions to the Academy in particular and to the arts in Ireland in general. A citation is given by either the President or a guest and the medal which features a profile relief of the Academy’s second President Francis Johnston is given to the recipient. Previous winners of the medal include Derek Hill, Lewis & Loretta Glucksman, and Anthony Cronin. Last year’s recipient was Tony Kilduff HRHA.
