The former Director of the Hunt Museum, Maireád Dunlevy died in Dublin earlier today.

Maireád, who during her career was Keeper of Art and Industry at the National Museum of Ireland and Director of The Hunt Museum (1992–1996) is remembered with deep respect and affection by all those associated with The Hunt Museum.

Virginia Teehan, Director, The Hunt Museum, paid tribute to Maireád, saying she was “one of the most influential figures working in heritage and culture and a passionate defender of excellence in heritage interpretation and practice.”

Ms. Teehan said: “Maireád upheld the highest standards of scholarship and worked constantly to ensure that our rich cultural patrimony, most especially decorative arts objects, kept their place at the centre of our cultural life.”

“She was fiercely committed to the cause of promoting new understandings of our cultural heritage, and during her time here in Limerick, Maireád ensured that The Hunt Museum was based upon the best possible standards of curatorial excellence and innovation. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to her for all that she achieved during the inception and establishment of the Hunt Museum.”

“Maireád had those special personal qualities that made her unique. She was a valued colleague for curators and scholars. She will be much missed by them and by the whole of our cultural life.”

The Hunt Museum will be closed to the public on Wednesday, March 19th 2008 as a mark of respect to her memory.

Virginia Teehan
Director
18th March 2008

ENDS