‘Writing on the Wall’ at Enniscorthy Castle

By Dan Walsh

Enniscorthy Castle is home to a rare piece of medieval graffito, incised in the dungeon wall – a one-metre-tall figure with sword in hand. This work of wall art from times past is the centre piece of the Enniscorthy Castle Autumnal Exhibition ‘Writing on the Wall‘.

Manager Mico Hassett told WexfordLocal.com; “An archaeological report was completed in 2012 on our drawing thanks to Heritage Council funding. They recommended a full digital survey of the swordsman figure. Originally referred to as a Halberdier, the figure is in fact, a swordsman thought to date to the late 16th century. Further funding allowed us to complete the digital survey using 3D laser imaging, 3D photogrammetry and 2D RTI imaging. The data retrieved will allow us to showcase the piece across our main floor and will monitor the condition of the artwork over time too.

“The exhibition centre piece is a full-sized 3D print of the wall art. We will present a video of the survey process and the finished 3D print at our launch event on Friday at 6pm as part of our Heritage Week events,” concluded Ms Hassett.

Eve Furlong, Deputy Manager of Enniscorthy Castle said; “The 3D print allows us to bring the Swordsman out of the dungeon and into the main exhibition space of the Castle, which creates better accessibility, opportunities for up-close engagement and additional educational materials to be showcased. We are utilising exhibition QR codes so visitors can access further information on all our panels from anywhere.”

Admission to the exhibition is €6 with a family of five just €15, making it a great value proposition for a tour. Writing on the Wall – Chisel to Spray Can: Graffito, Graffiti and Wall Art runs in the castle until Halloween (October 31^st) with the full display exploring the history of graffiti and wall art from the Neolithic to the present day. The focus on political graffiti, the rise of graffiti in the 80’s and the local Enniscorthy Walls Project offers patrons plenty of insight to graffiti art through the ages from across the world.