Celebrating the Spirit of the Liberties with Camilla Hanney
Last updated Jul 17, 2026
At Staycity, we're passionate about championing the neighbourhoods we're proud to call home. That's why we're delighted to support A Libertine Feast, a fantastic exhibition by ceramic artist Camilla Hanney, created during her Artist Residency with Throwing Shapes in collaboration with Staycity.
Inspired by the rich history, colourful character and enduring community spirit of Dublin's Liberties, A Libertine Feast is both a personal homecoming and a celebration of one of the city's most iconic neighbourhoods.
A Homecoming to the Liberties
After spending almost a decade living abroad, Camilla returned to the area where she grew up to create this new body of work. Working from Throwing Shapes' studio in Dublin 8 gave her the opportunity to reconnect with the sights, sounds and stories that shaped her childhood.
"The Liberties is vibrant, sensory and deeply nostalgic," Camilla explains. "The familiar landmarks, local businesses and everyday moments all evoke memories while reflecting the strong sense of community that still exists today."
That connection to place is at the heart of A Libertine Feast, transforming personal memories into contemporary ceramic sculptures that celebrate the area's unique identity.
Inspired by the Stories of Dublin 8
The exhibition draws on the Liberties' fascinating industrial and cultural heritage. References to the neighbourhood's famous breweries, distilleries and the former Jacobs Biscuit Factory appear throughout the installation, alongside nods to the independent businesses and local characters that continue to define the area today.
Each sculpture tells part of the story. A striking pig's head references the historic abattoirs that once operated in the Liberties while symbolising feasting, celebration and the importance of gathering together as a community.
Elsewhere, a series of playful Virgin Mary sculptures reimagines a familiar local icon with unexpected additions including cowboy hats, traffic cones and seagulls, capturing the humour, creativity and evolving identity of modern Dublin.
The Joy of Clay
Ceramics has long been Camilla's medium of choice because of its limitless creative possibilities. She embraces the tactile, unpredictable nature of working with clay, allowing its raw, expressive qualities to remain visible in the finished pieces. Rich colours, layered textures and shimmering lustres transform everyday ceramic forms into artworks that feel both familiar and surprising.
Rather than presenting individual sculptures in isolation, A Libertine Feast is designed as an immersive installation; a visual feast that invites visitors to wander, discover details and make connections between the works and the stories they represent.
Discover the Liberties Through Art
More than an exhibition, A Libertine Feast is a love letter to the Liberties. It celebrates the area's remarkable history while recognising the people, traditions and creativity that continue to shape its future. Whether you're visiting Dublin for the first time or rediscovering a familiar neighbourhood, the exhibition offers a unique way to experience the spirit of Dublin 8 through contemporary art.
We hope visitors leave with a deeper appreciation not only for Camilla Hanney's imaginative ceramic practice, but also for the vibrant community and rich heritage that make the Liberties one of Dublin's most distinctive and welcoming neighbourhoods.
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