The Art Union of Ireland

From A Dictionary of Irish Artists 1913

This was established under the auspices of the Irish Institution in 1858 with the object of encouraging native art and its professors by the purchase of works exhibited each year in the Royal Hibernian Academy. In its first year it received £888, out of which it distributed prizes to the value of £580; in the second year prizes to the value of £657 were given, but in the third year, owing to a falling off in subscriptions, only £229 was available for prizes. The next year, 1863-4, £245 was spent. This Society has continued with varying success to the present time. The entire subscription, less working expenses, is allocated in money prizes which must be expended in the purchase of pictures or other works of art in the exhibition of the Royal Hibernian Academy for the year.

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