Arthur Griffith Papers,
1894-1966.
The collection contains correspondence and related documentation that shed light on aspects of Griffith's political career and public life and his personal relationships with his family and friends. Among the papers is his private correspondence with his wife Maud and son Nevin, written during periods of imprisonment (1916-21) and during the course of the Treaty negotiations when he was based in London, and his final statement written in 1922. Also included are photographs (both private family photographs, alongside studio portraits and news agency photographs of Griffith and other Irish political figures attending public events and meetings and the funerals of Griffith and Michael Collins), posters (largely commemorative items published following his death in 1922), portraits of Griffith in both pencil and in oils, books from his library, many of which contain ownership signatures and inscriptions dating from his imprisonment in Reading and Gloucester jails and his time as President, newscuttings, and his own copies of the newspapers he edited, notably 'The United Irishman', 'Scissors and Paste', 'Nationality', 'Éire Ireland' and 'Sinn Fein'.
| Main Creator: | |
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| Contributors: | |
| Format: | Manuscript |
| Language: | English |
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| Notes: | The newspapers in this collection are not for issue. Copies of 'The United Irishman', 'Sinn Fein', 'Scissors and Paste', 'Nationality', 'Éire Ireland' and 'The Nation' should be accessed on microfilm. Arthur Griffith (Additional) Papers held at MS 49,666 in the National Library of Ireland, Department of Manuscripts. Physical description: 2 boxes; 10 vols. of newspapers; 43 books. more |
| Arrangement: | Fonds I. Private paper and correspondence. II. Political Papers. III. Photographs and Postcards. IV. Posters, portraits and sketches. V. Books. VI. Newspapers. VII. Miscellaneous material. |
Arthur Griffith Papers,
1894-1966.
| In Collection: | Arthur Griffith Papers, 1894-1966. |
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| Description: | The collection contains correspondence and related documentation that shed light on aspects of Griffith's political career and public life and his personal relationships with his family and friends. Among the papers is his private correspondence with his wife Maud and son Nevin, written during periods of imprisonment (1916-21) and during the course of the Treaty negotiations when he was based in London, and his final statement written in 1922. Also included are photographs (both private family photographs, alongside studio portraits and news agency photographs of Griffith and other Irish political figures attending public events and meetings and the funerals of Griffith and Michael Collins), posters (largely commemorative items published following his death in 1922), portraits of Griffith in both pencil and in oils, books from his library, many of which contain ownership signatures and inscriptions dating from his imprisonment in Reading and Gloucester jails and his time as President, newscuttings, and his own copies of the newspapers he edited, notably 'The United Irishman', 'Scissors and Paste', 'Nationality', 'Éire Ireland' and 'Sinn Fein'. Arthur Joseph Griffith was born on 31st March 1871 in Dublin. After ending his formal education before he aged thirteen, Griffith became an office-boy and later followed his father’s profession as a printer and worked for papers such as ‘The Nation’. He held radical views and was a member of the Young Ireland League and Celtic Literary Society and was a committed Parnellite. He later helped launch the United Irishman in 1899 and was a committed journalist. In 1905 Griffith founded the Irish political party Sinn Féin. Neither Griffith or Sinn Féin were involved in the 1916 rising, but was still arrested in its aftermath and subsequently sent to Reading jail. He was part of the first Dáil in 1919 and was elected vice-president of the Republic with Eamonn De Valera as President. Following the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921), Griffith lead the Irish delegation to London to discuss Truce negotiations in July 1921. This resulted in the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 6th December 1921 and while Griffith defended the Treaty, De Valera opposed it and resigned as president leading to Griffith taking his place. The Irish Civil War (1922-1923) followed and Griffith died on 12 August 1922 as a result of a cerebral hemorrhage which lead to heart failure. He is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin. |
| Main Creator: | |
| Language: | English |
| Extent: | 2 boxes; 10 vols. of newspapers; 43 books. |
| Format: | Manuscript |
| Call Number: |
MS 49,530/1-31
(Manuscripts Reading Room) MS L 334-349 (Manuscripts Reading Room) |
| Rights: | Reproduction rights owned by the National Library of Ireland. |