SPHERE WITHIN THE SPHERE OR THE SFERA CON SFERA
SPHERE WITHIN THE SPHERE OR THE SFERA CON SFERA [OUTSIDE THE EAVAN BOLAND LIBRARY]
Dominating the forecourt of the iconic, brutalist Eavan Boland Library (formerly the Berkeley Library) stands Arnaldo Pomodoro's "Sfera con Sfera" ("Sphere within Sphere"). While officially part of Trinity College Dublin's Art Collections, rather than a specific library treasure, this striking sculpture is intrinsically linked to the building's identity. The "Pomodoro sphere," as it is affectionately known locally, serves as a popular meeting point, photographic backdrop, and general point of interest for the thousands of students, staff, and tourists who traverse Trinity's historic campus.
The recent decision by Trinity College Dublin to rename the Berkeley Library has prompted significant discussion, highlighting the complex interplay between historical legacies and contemporary values. It's crucial to understand that this decision was not intended to erase George Berkeley's intellectual contributions. His philosophical works remain integral to the library's collections and academic study. Rather, the renaming reflects a considered reassessment of his legacy, particularly his association with slavery.
Trinity College Dublin determined that retaining Berkeley's name on the library was incompatible with the university's core values: human dignity, freedom, inclusivity, and equality. This decision followed a thorough review process conducted by the Trinity Legacies Review Working Group, which included extensive research, analysis, and public consultation. The college also invited public submissions for potential new names.
The library was subsequently renamed "The Eavan Boland Library," honouring the acclaimed Irish poet. This landmark decision marks the first time a building on Trinity's central campus has been named after a woman. Eavan Boland was chosen in recognition of her profound contributions to Irish literature.
This situation underscores the ongoing need to contextualise historical figures and their actions within their respective eras, while simultaneously acknowledging the enduring impact of those actions on contemporary society. In essence, the renaming signifies Trinity College Dublin's commitment to reconciling its historical legacy with its present-day values, rather than attempting to expunge a historical figure from intellectual discourse.
Dominating the forecourt of the iconic, brutalist Eavan Boland Library (formerly the Berkeley Library) stands Arnaldo Pomodoro's "Sfera con Sfera" ("Sphere within Sphere"). While officially part of Trinity College Dublin's Art Collections, rather than a specific library treasure, this striking sculpture is intrinsically linked to the building's identity. The "Pomodoro sphere," as it is affectionately known locally, serves as a popular meeting point, photographic backdrop, and general point of interest for the thousands of students, staff, and tourists who traverse Trinity's historic campus.
The recent decision by Trinity College Dublin to rename the Berkeley Library has prompted significant discussion, highlighting the complex interplay between historical legacies and contemporary values. It's crucial to understand that this decision was not intended to erase George Berkeley's intellectual contributions. His philosophical works remain integral to the library's collections and academic study. Rather, the renaming reflects a considered reassessment of his legacy, particularly his association with slavery.
Trinity College Dublin determined that retaining Berkeley's name on the library was incompatible with the university's core values: human dignity, freedom, inclusivity, and equality. This decision followed a thorough review process conducted by the Trinity Legacies Review Working Group, which included extensive research, analysis, and public consultation. The college also invited public submissions for potential new names.
The library was subsequently renamed "The Eavan Boland Library," honouring the acclaimed Irish poet. This landmark decision marks the first time a building on Trinity's central campus has been named after a woman. Eavan Boland was chosen in recognition of her profound contributions to Irish literature.
This situation underscores the ongoing need to contextualise historical figures and their actions within their respective eras, while simultaneously acknowledging the enduring impact of those actions on contemporary society. In essence, the renaming signifies Trinity College Dublin's commitment to reconciling its historical legacy with its present-day values, rather than attempting to expunge a historical figure from intellectual discourse.
SPHERE WITHIN THE SPHERE OR THE SFERA CON SFERA