599
The Principal Architect of the Irish Court System
Description
The Principal Architect of the Irish Court System
“One of the Ablest Judges to have Graced the Irish Bench”
KENNEDY, Hugh [1879-1936], First Attorney General and first Chief Justice of the Irish Free State, a small Archive of documents, letters, drawings and photographs.
Hugh Kennedy was a contemporary of James Joyce at University College in Dublin, where he was editor of St. Stephen’s, the student magazine which published some of Joyce’s early work, and auditor of the L&H. He was called to the bar in 1902, and quickly established a reputation; by 1907 he had published a legal textbook. An Irish speaker, he was active in the Gaelic League, serving on a committee with such people as Pearse and Ceannt. He had strong national sympathies, and an unsigned work of 1910 listed below shows that he had no illusions about the British. He was legal adviser to the Department of Local Government in the first Dail, and to the Provisional Government established under the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921. He was a member of the committee which drafted the Constitution of the new state, and engaged in detailed negotiations with the British to secure their agreement to its terms. In this process he gained at least one notable success, over rights of appeal to the Privy Council in London (see Keane, D.I.B.).
He was briefly a TD for a Dublin constituency. In 1923 he was appointed Attorney-General, and when the new Irish courts system was established in 1924, Kennedy became the first Chief Justice, a position which he held until his death. He may fairly be described as the principal architect of the Irish courts system. He authored many significant judgements, and ‘has been generally regarded as one of the ablest judges to have graced the Irish bench since independence’ (Ronan Keane in D.I.B. – himself a former Chief Justice).
The principal collection of Kennedy’s legal papers is in UCD. The present archive consists of items which have remained in family hands, including letters to Mrs. Kennedy after his death.
It includes:
- An important collection of coloured watercolour drawings of the green robes which Kennedy as Chief Justice proposed (at the suggestion of W.B. Yeats) for the new Irish Supreme Court, supposedly based on the robes worn by the Gaelic Brehons. According to Keane (D.I.B.), these designs were developed through discussion with Yeats, who was much interested in the outward symbols of the new State, and the drawings were executed by Yeats’ friend, the distinguished artist and designer Charles Shannon. There are three mounted drawings of designs for robes, each on card circa 37cms x 27cms, two designs for headgear, 27cms x 19cms, and one monochrome drawing of robes, probably a preliminary sketch. Although unsigned, these undoubtedly are Shannon’s original drawings, and are probably the only visual record of this project. The boards bear the stamp of The Ruskin Studio, VII New Court, [London] W.C. 2. The proposal was not welcomed by Kennedy’s colleagues, and when Yeats proposed a Senate motion on the issue, the division was lost by one vote. See Foster, W.B. Yeats, A Life, Vol. II p. 331.
The drawings are in immaculate condition, as fresh as the day they were painted.
- Five albums of letters, documents and photographs, as follows:
- Album 1. A collection of circa 40 mostly unmounted photographic prints, mostly 19cms x 24cms with some smaller, showing Kennedy (often with his wife Clare) at a variety of events through the 1920s and 1930s, illustrating the life of the elite in those years. These are mostly good quality professional. photographs. They are generally not captioned, but the principal participants are easily recognisable, including Kennedy, a small man who became increasingly corpulent with the passage of years and good dinners. A well-known photograph shows mourners at the funeral of Arthur Griffith, led by Eoin MacNeill, with Kennedy in the third rank. On the reverse is written, ‘This is when Uncle Hugh + others were locked up in the 4 Courts & the Castle in the ‘Troubled Times’. An Irish Times photo (1924, probably at an Aonach Tailteann event) shows the veteran American Fenian John Devoy seated beside two Oriental gentlemen, with the Chief Justice and his wife at the ends of the line. There are some curious photos of the elaborate costume worn by Mrs. Kennedy at a ‘Nine Arts’ Ball in 1925.; also a menu for a banquet for John McCormack during Aonach Tailteann 1925, signed by the singer.
- Albums 2, 3 and 4 contain a very wide variety of documents and letters dating from all periods of Kennedy’s life, not chronologically organised but including much interesting and some important material. They include:
- Manuscript in Hugh Kennedy’s hand `Claim for Compensation for Property Destroyed @ the Four Courts. One page quarto;
- Manuscript in Hugh Kennedy’s hand List of Books Purchased December 1927 to March, 1928. Seven pages quarto;
- Two invoices from Fred Hanna, Ltd., Booksellers, Nassau Street, dated 1 Oct 1929 and 3 Jan 1930;
- A selection of (empty) official envelopes, including one dated 29.12.22, headed ‘Fé Rún. For Minister Only’, addressed to ‘Dlí Oifigeach’, with official seal on reverse;
- A selection of calling cards, including Kennedy’s (in Irish, Aodh Ó Cinnéide), Douglas Hyde, with an inscription, Myles Dillon, John A. Murphy (Mrs. Kennedy’s father, inscribed reverse) etc.;
- A TLS appointing Kennedy a Vice-President of the Royal Irish Academy 1936;
- A printed Syllabus of Courses for the School of Irish Studies, Dublin 1905;
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The Principal Architect of the Irish Court System
“One of the Ablest Judges to have Graced the Irish Bench”
KENNEDY, Hugh [1879-1936], First Attorney General and first Chief Justice of the Irish Free State, a small Archive of documents, letters, drawings and photographs.
Hugh Kennedy was a contemporary of James Joyce at University College in Dublin, where he was editor of St. Stephen’s, the student magazine which published some of Joyce’s early work, and auditor of the L&H. He was called to the bar in 1902, and quickly established a reputation; by 1907 he had published a legal textbook. An Irish speaker, he was active in the Gaelic League, serving on a committee with such people as Pearse and Ceannt. He had strong national sympathies, and an unsigned work of 1910 listed below shows that he had no illusions about the British. He was legal adviser to the Department of Local Government in the first Dail, and to the Provisional Government established under the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921. He was a member of the committee which drafted the Constitution of the new state, and engaged in detailed negotiations with the British to secure their agreement to its terms. In this process he gained at least one notable success, over rights of appeal to the Privy Council in London (see Keane, D.I.B.).
He was briefly a TD for a Dublin constituency. In 1923 he was appointed Attorney-General, and when the new Irish courts system was established in 1924, Kennedy became the first Chief Justice, a position which he held until his death. He may fairly be described as the principal architect of the Irish courts system. He authored many significant judgements, and ‘has been generally regarded as one of the ablest judges to have graced the Irish bench since independence’ (Ronan Keane in D.I.B. – himself a former Chief Justice).
The principal collection of Kennedy’s legal papers is in UCD. The present archive consists of items which have remained in family hands, including letters to Mrs. Kennedy after his death.
It includes:
- An important collection of coloured watercolour drawings of the green robes which Kennedy as Chief Justice proposed (at the suggestion of W.B. Yeats) for the new Irish Supreme Court, supposedly based on the robes worn by the Gaelic Brehons. According to Keane (D.I.B.), these designs were developed through discussion with Yeats, who was much interested in the outward symbols of the new State, and the drawings were executed by Yeats’ friend, the distinguished artist and designer Charles Shannon. There are three mounted drawings of designs for robes, each on card circa 37cms x 27cms, two designs for headgear, 27cms x 19cms, and one monochrome drawing of robes, probably a preliminary sketch. Although unsigned, these undoubtedly are Shannon’s original drawings, and are probably the only visual record of this project. The boards bear the stamp of The Ruskin Studio, VII New Court, [London] W.C. 2. The proposal was not welcomed by Kennedy’s colleagues, and when Yeats proposed a Senate motion on the issue, the division was lost by one vote. See Foster, W.B. Yeats, A Life, Vol. II p. 331.
The drawings are in immaculate condition, as fresh as the day they were painted.
- Five albums of letters, documents and photographs, as follows:
- Album 1. A collection of circa 40 mostly unmounted photographic prints, mostly 19cms x 24cms with some smaller, showing Kennedy (often with his wife Clare) at a variety of events through the 1920s and 1930s, illustrating the life of the elite in those years. These are mostly good quality professional. photographs. They are generally not captioned, but the principal participants are easily recognisable, including Kennedy, a small man who became increasingly corpulent with the passage of years and good dinners. A well-known photograph shows mourners at the funeral of Arthur Griffith, led by Eoin MacNeill, with Kennedy in the third rank. On the reverse is written, ‘This is when Uncle Hugh + others were locked up in the 4 Courts & the Castle in the ‘Troubled Times’. An Irish Times photo (1924, probably at an Aonach Tailteann event) shows the veteran American Fenian John Devoy seated beside two Oriental gentlemen, with the Chief Justice and his wife at the ends of the line. There are some curious photos of the elaborate costume worn by Mrs. Kennedy at a ‘Nine Arts’ Ball in 1925.; also a menu for a banquet for John McCormack during Aonach Tailteann 1925, signed by the singer.
- Albums 2, 3 and 4 contain a very wide variety of documents and letters dating from all periods of Kennedy’s life, not chronologically organised but including much interesting and some important material. They include:
- Manuscript in Hugh Kennedy’s hand `Claim for Compensation for Property Destroyed @ the Four Courts. One page quarto;
- Manuscript in Hugh Kennedy’s hand List of Books Purchased December 1927 to March, 1928. Seven pages quarto;
- Two invoices from Fred Hanna, Ltd., Booksellers, Nassau Street, dated 1 Oct 1929 and 3 Jan 1930;
- A selection of (empty) official envelopes, including one dated 29.12.22, headed ‘Fé Rún. For Minister Only’, addressed to ‘Dlí Oifigeach’, with official seal on reverse;
- A selection of calling cards, including Kennedy’s (in Irish, Aodh Ó Cinnéide), Douglas Hyde, with an inscription, Myles Dillon, John A. Murphy (Mrs. Kennedy’s father, inscribed reverse) etc.;
- A TLS appointing Kennedy a Vice-President of the Royal Irish Academy 1936;
- A printed Syllabus of Courses for the School of Irish Studies, Dublin 1905;
Christmas Rare Book & Collectors' Sale
Sale Date(s)
Lots: 1-499
Lots: 500-1172
Venue Address
The Talbot Hotel
Stillorgan Road
Dublin
Co. Dublin
.A94 V6K5
Ireland
Recommended Shipping Companies to assist you with Collection and Shipment:
We recommend the following Shipping Companies to assist you with collection and shipment.
Please contact them directly to obtain shipping cost quote, delivery schedule, etc.
For; Books & Manuscripts & Paintings:
Mail Boxes Etc ,Dublin. Tel. 01.6710400 Email info@mbedublin2.com
Pack and Send Belfast . Tel ; +44 (0) 2890 219003 Email belfasteast@packsend.co.uk
Callanan Couriers Email: info@callanancouriers.ie
Mob: 0863881072 | 0862545191 Dublin Area Only
Tony Buggy - 087-9195755, Cork / Limerick Area Only
For Larger Items.
Oldcastle Transport Limited
oldcastletransportltd@gmail.com
Tel; 087.7987784
Tel: +353 (0)57 87 36596
Web: www.MovingHome.ie E-mail: info@movinghome.ie
Carlyle Fine Art Services ; Dublin. Tel; 087.2890898 Email david@davidcarlyle.ie
Please contact these shipping companies directly to discuss your requirements and for agreed cost quote, delivery schedule, etc.
Important Information
To include:
The Library of the late Noel F. Heavey, (B. Arch.) & Other important Libraries and Collections &
Select Items from other Private Clients;
Items from generous donors on behalf of The Yeats Nobel Charity Auction.
Terms & Conditions
Buyer's Premium 23 % (VAT inclusive) applicable to all lots purchased. Online bidding surcharge of 5 % applicable.. We accept payment by Debit / Credit Cards (credit card payments from outside the E.U. will incur 3% surcharge) .Payment by direct bank transfer , guaranteed cheque. Cash Payments strictly subject to Anti-Money Laundering provisions and regulations.
Catalogue Abbreviations : Paintings, Prints, Works of Art, Furniture, etc.
The first name or names and surname of the Artist or Craftsman: In our opinion a work by the Artist of Craftsman. Attributed to: In our opinion probably a work by the Artist or Craftsman but less certainty as to authorship is expressed than in the preceding category.
Studio of: In our opinion a work that may have been executed in whole or in part by the artist's hand. Circle of: In our opinion a work of the period of the Artist or Craftsman that is in a similar style to the work of that Artist or Craftsman.
The surname of the Artist or Craftsman, preceded by “After”: In our opinion, a copy of the work of the artist or craftsman.
Signed – Stamped: Has a signature or stamp, which in our opinion is the signature or stamp of the artist or craftsman.
Bears Signature or Stamp: Has a signature or stamp, which in our opinion might be the signature or stamp of the artist or craftsman.
Dated: Is so dated and in our opinion was executed at about that date.
Bears Date: Is so dated and in our opinion may have been executed at about that date.
Abbreviations
O.O.C. Oils on Canvas O .O.P. Oils on Panel
O.O.B. Oils on Board W/C Watercolour
GOU Gouache MAH. Mahogany
VICT. Victorian ED W. Edwardian
W.A.F. With all faults As Is With all damages, faults, restorations, etc.
S.N.S.R. Sold not subject to return..
O.R.M. Of recent manufacture,
Catalogue Abbreviations ; Books and Manuscripts
mls Manuscript Letters signed
als Autographed Letters signed
acs Autographed Cards signed
pb Paperback
a.e.g. All edges gilt
t.e.g Top edge gilt
w.a.f. With all faults
As is With all damages , faults, restorations.
As a lot With all faults , As is
L.S.s Library stamps
S.N.S.R. Sold not subject to return
Publ. Published
f.e.p. Front end paper
mor Morocco
n.d. No date
n.p. No place
d.j. Dust jacket
L.P. Large paper
h.m.p. Hand made paper
vell. Vellum
hf. Half
d.w.s. Dust wrappers
I.M.C. Irish M/ss Commission
A.M.S Armorial motif on spine
cont. Contemporary
n.a.t. Not affecting text
frontis Frontispiece
engd. Engraved
cold. Coloured
hd. Hand
port. Portrait
N.B.: Please note the auctioneers offer no After Sale Guarantee
whatsoever, with regard to mechanical and electrical items, or
firearms. We accept no subsequent liability for any damage, loss or
injury arising from the use of the foregoing.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
We recommend that any prospective buyer views lots prior to purchase or has a representive do this on his/her behalf. Any condition report given by the auctioneer prior to auction is based on an opinion and should not be taken as a definitive statement of fact.
Any subsequent issues or disputes arising, based on condition reports given prior to auction, will not be entertained.
Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers reserve the right to withdraw or adjust any lot prior to the auction without notice. Any such lots so affected will be announced on the auction day. The auctioneer reserves the right to decline bidding from any prospective bidder.
N.B. All lots purchased are held, pending collection, at the buyer's risk from the fall of the auction hammer.
While the auctioneer endeavours to answer clients enquiries, we accept no responsibility or liability for any inaccuracy in auction results given verbally during the sale days.
We recommend that clients should only make such enquiries following the conclusion of the Sale.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING CONDITION REPORTS
All property is sold “as is”, with all faults, without any representation or warranty of any kind by Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers or the seller. Buyers are responsible for satisfying themselves concerning the condition of the property and the matters referred to in the catalogue entry.
All statements by Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers made orally or in writing elsewhere, are statements of opinion and are not to be relied on as statements of fact. Such statements do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers of any kind. References in the catalogue entry or the condition report to damage or restoration are for guidance only and should be evaluated by personal inspection by the bidder or a knowledgeable representative. The absence of such a reference does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of any others. Estimates of the selling price should not be relied on as a statement that this is the price at which the item will sell or its value for any other purpose. All measurements are approximate.
In the case of Wines and Spirits, Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers do all that is possible to indicate the accuracy of levels. Such levels may change between cataloguing and sales. A risk of cork failure must be taken into account by any potential buyer. The Auctioneers will not entertain any price negotiation or return of purchases nor will substitutes be provided in the case of breakage or error of description. Labels may invariably be stained or torn. Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers reserve the right to open original cases prior to sale to describe levels and condition.
FIREARMS
Special Note Regarding Firearms
A specific Permit or Licence must be produced relating to the Firearm purchased, before same can be removed from our Premises. Please contact your local Gardai.
The shipping of antique firearms and weapons to destinations, particularly outside of the E.U., requires compliance with the stringent regulations governing such. We recommend that intending purchasers seek guidance from our designated shipping company as to these issues , Mail Boxes Etc ,Dublin, Tel. 01.6710400 info@mbedublin 2.com or Pack and Send Belfast Tel ; +44 (0) 2890 219003 Email belfasteast@packsend.co.uk
All decommissioned and non-firing firearms are sold as such and the auctioneer bears no responsibility for any subsequent re-commissioning and use by the purchaser and for any regulation or licensing that may then apply.
Lots subject to C.I.T.E.S. cannot be sold to buyers based in countries outside the Europoean Union ( E.U. ) Permission to export such items outside of the E.U. is very restricted / most probably unobtainable.
From time to time digital equipment is used to dispaly items for sale at auction.This service is merely a reminder to the customer of items previously viewed during view days.
We do not guarantee the quality of the item viewed, the accuracy of the the digital image or guarantee the item on display is the item being sold. Disputes arising as a result of digital image display will not be entertained.
Live bidding is subject to occasional interruption and loss of connection and audio / digital image streaming. These are technical issues beyond the auctioneers control, We accept no responsibility for any bids missed, placed in error, or omitted as a result of the foregoing.
Limited Collection available on sales day at the Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan, Dublin - until 6.00pm Wednesday 7th December.
All items purchased will subsequently be removed to our Castlecomer salesroom for collection there
Collection available from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm on subsequent weekdays. No collections available at weekends.
We request that all purchases be collected by Friday , 16th December. 2022.
Overseas purchasers are requested to arrange collection and shipment as soon as possible, and by no later than Friday, 16th December , 2022.
We recommend the following Shipping Companies to assist you with collection and shipment.
Please contact them directly to obtain shipping cost quote, delivery schedule, etc.
For; Paintings ,Books & Manuscripts :
Mail Boxes Etc ,Dublin. Tel. 01.6710400 Email info@mbedublin2.com
Pack and Send Belfast . Tel ; +44 (0) 2890 219003 Email belfasteast@packsend.co.uk
Callanan Couriers Email: info@callanancouriers.ie
Mob: 0863881072 | 0862545191 Dublin Area Only
Tony Buggy - 087-9195755, Cork / Limerick Area Only
For Larger Items.
Oldcastle Transport Limited
oldcastletransportltd@gmail.com
Tel; 087.7987784
Tel: +353 (0)57 87 36596
Web: www.MovingHome.ie E-mail: info@movinghome.ie
Carlyle Fine Art Services ; Dublin. Tel; 087.2890898 Email david@davidcarlyle.ie
