More Power To You – Sarah Purser Publication

Sarah Purser—a formidable figure in Irish art during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As a founding member of the Friends of the National Collections of Ireland, Purser played a pivotal role in establishing The Dublin Municipal Gallery (now the Hugh Lane). The exhibition—celebrating her life—delves into Purser’s multifaceted contributions as an artist, activist, and collector.

We designed the accompanying publication for the exhibition, which ran throughout 2024. In addition to showcasing Purser's works and those of her contemporaries, the publication features insightful texts by Roy Foster, Hilary Pyle, Hannah Baker, Robert O’Byrne, David Caron, Logan Sisley, and Barbara Dawson. The book's design was inspired by both the Gallery’s branding and the artistic works themselves, with its size and format lending weight and grandeur befitting such a significant artist.

Our design approach focused on balancing classic elegance with a contemporary sensibility. Generous open spaces allow the artwork to take centre stage, creating a gallery-like experience where each piece can be appreciated in isolation. Large, oversized typography introduces a striking counterpoint to the traditional aesthetic of the paintings, adding a bold, modern contrast. Working within Hugh Lane’s brand typefaces—General Sans Pro and Mirador—we played with unexpected hierarchies, layering type in a fresh yet cohesive way to maintain both legibility and visual intrigue.