Press release

The Treaty 1921 – Records from the Archives exhibition opens at Dublin Castle

From: Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Published on: 6 December 2021
Last updated on: 6 December 2021

The exhibition marks the centenary of the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty on 6 December 1921
Anglo-Irish Treaty 1921 goes on public display for the first time in 100 years

The Taoiseach, accompanied by the Tánaiste and Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, today attended the 'The Treaty, 1921: Records from the Archives' exhibition at Dublin Castle. The exhibition is presented by the National Archives in partnership with the Royal Irish Academy, the National Library of Ireland and the Office of Public Works, with records from the collections of the Military Archives and University College Dublin.

The Anglo-Irish Treaty is one of the most significant historical documents held by the National Archives. Using the Treaty as a centrepiece, the National Archives will present an exhibition that marks its role as the official repository of the records of the State, one hundred years since its formation. The Treaty, 1921: Records from the Archives opens up significant historical records, official documents and private papers for the first time, including the first public presentation of both the Irish and British copies of the Treaty document.

Using contemporary reportage, images and footage, The Treaty, 1921: Records from the Archives locates the Treaty negotiations in the political context of the Irish revolution and a world turned upside down by the First World War. Beginning with the exploratory talks between Éamon de Valera, President of Dáil Éireann, and British Prime Minister David Lloyd George during the summer of 1921, it details the work of the Irish plenipotentiaries and their secretariat, by presenting the documentary record that they left behind.

The exhibition also chronicles day-to-day life in London for the men and women who made up the Irish delegation, from parties attended, dinners hosted and appearances at theatre and gala performances, to the tense final days and hours leading to the signing of the Treaty just after 2am on 6 December 1921. Finally, it documents the delegation’s return to Dublin, and the Dáil Éireann cabinet meeting that pointed to the split in the independence movement that emerged over the terms of the Treaty, and the divisions that would lead to Civil War.

Speaking at the exhibition, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:

“This is a significant exhibition, bringing key records relating to the foundation of the State to the public for the first time in 100 years. These records highlight this complex period in our history culminating in the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty 1921. They present the difficult political context in which the Treaty was negotiated but they also open a window for the first time into the world in which the Irish delegation operated during their time in London. It is an honour for me as Taoiseach to attend this exhibition”.

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said:

“The Treaty was a decisive moment in our history, an agreement negotiated in good faith between two opposing sides, which brought peace, helped create a new, independent country, and held out the promise of a better future. This exhibition provides a vital connection to the foundation of our State, reminding us of the dramatic events of one hundred years ago, and the courageous decisions which enabled us to achieve a priceless stepping stone to freedom. By showing us the documents and images of the time, as well as how the events were reported by the media, we see the difficult decisions which were made, the value of diplomacy and the importance of compromise. It is a remarkable insight into the challenges of a century ago and the courage which helped create our country.”

Minister Catherine Martin TD said:

“I am delighted to be here today to mark the opening of this significant exhibition. My responsibility, as Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, is to ensure that this complex period in our history is remembered with an appropriate, meaningful, proportionate and sensitive programme, which recognises the legitimacy of all traditions, and values mutual respect and historical authenticity. This exhibition is critical in terms of our understanding of the negotiations and the signing of the Treaty and I would like to thank the National Archives for developing this important exhibition by placing the authenticity of the archival record at the centre of the exhibition”.

The National Archives was established to collect, manage and preserve Ireland’s public record, ensuring their availability as a resource for all. These records relate to the social, cultural, economic and political history of the island of Ireland from the Middle Ages through to the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922 and into the modern era.

Admission to the exhibition is free. Book online at www.nationalarchives.ie.

This exhibition is presented as part of the Government of Ireland’s Decade of Centenaries 2012-2023 National Programme.

ENDS

Editor’s Notes

The National Archives preserves the memory of the State in the form of its written records. It acquires and protects Ireland’s public records, thereby ensuring their availability as a resource for all. These records relate to the social, cultural, economic and political history of the island of Ireland from the Middle Ages through to the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922 and into the modern era.