Kilmainham Gaol East Wing Interior
by Carolyn Derstine
Title
Kilmainham Gaol East Wing Interior
Artist
Carolyn Derstine
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison in Kilmainham, Dublin, Ireland, was a site of oppression and suffering, and part of the turbulent history of Ireland. In contrast to the old wing of the jail that was incredibly dark and oppressive, the new East Wing, added in 1867 is typical of the Victorian belief that prison architecture was crucial to the reform of inmates. Individual cells on three levels are arranged around a central horseshoe-shaped atrium with walkways and catwalks for the guards, allowing for constant surveillance of the prisoners. However, while the space feels immense and well lit, a look inside the small cells shows how little space the prisoners actually had. The East Wing at Kilmainham Gaol is a spectacular example of prison architecture and has played a role in various movies and TV shows. Now run by an agency of the Government of Ireland, Kilmainham Gaol houses a museum on the history of Irish nationalism and offers guided tours of the building.
Uploaded
September 25th, 2022
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