‘Each name, a story…’ is a powerful exhibition that brings to light the names of hundreds of men and boys who died on Spike Island between 1847 and 1883—a period defined by the devastation of the Great Famine and its aftermath. Established as a convict depot at the height of the crisis, Spike Island rapidly became one of the largest prisons in Britain, housing individuals, many driven to crime by poverty and desperation, in overcrowded conditions.
Drawing from archival sources and first-hand accounts, the exhibition offers a deeply human perspective on incarceration, exploring themes of survival, injustice and loss. It acknowledges the staggering death toll—over a thousand men are believed to have died while imprisoned on the island. Through carefully compiled data from transportation records in the Irish National Archives, ‘Each name, a story…’ presents one of the most comprehensive public lists to date of those who perished—many of whose names had long been lost to history.
‘Each Name, A Story…’ was curated by Dorota Gubbins, whose work brings together archival investigation, interpretive storytelling and curatorial sensitivity to recover these long-overlooked lives.
Combining historical research, artistic interpretation and commemorative intention, this exhibition invites reflection on the human cost of institutional systems, the fragility of memory and the importance of bearing witness. It does not seek to rewrite history, but to give space and voice to those who endured its harshest realities.
The exhibition is enriched by the work of artist Sinéad Barrett, who served as artist-in-residence on Spike Island in 2023. Sinéad’s series of evocative paintings responds to the psychological effects of isolation and imprisonment, using cold, desaturated tones and recurring motifs—windows, locks, chains—to reflect the mental weight of confinement. Her work serves as a contemporary response to historical trauma, creating a poignant bridge between past and present.
The names were sourced from the Transportation Register (1836–1857) held in the National Archives of Ireland, while the design was inspired by prison ledgers from that period, including those from Spike Island.
This year’s exhibition is proudly presented as part of the 2025 Cork Harbour Festival, celebrating its 10th anniversary from 24 May to 2 June. As one of over 100 events spanning the city and harbour, the exhibition contributes to Ireland’s largest celebration of maritime culture, storytelling and art by spotlighting a significant chapter in our shared history—one rooted in the harbour’s own island prison.
Spike Island is proud to welcome Liam Lavery and Eithne Ring as our current Artists-in-Residence.
Artists’ Statement: “By connecting the stories and history of the prison with scents, we hope to stimulate dialogue and give the viewer a deeper level of insight into the lived experience of those who were incarcerated within its prison walls.”
This exhibition results from a groundbreaking course undertaken by prisoners from Cork Prison in collaboration with University College Cork (UCC). Developed by HSE Addiction Services, UCC, and James Leonard of ‘The Two Norries’ podcast, this module is the first UCC-accredited course in Substance Misuse and Addiction Studies offered within an Irish prison.
Florin Nolan, a visual artist born in Romania and adopted by Irish parents, is deeply connected to Cobh, Ireland, where his father served as a prison officer on Spike Island. His works, exhibited throughout Cork City and County, are enriched by diverse cultural influences.
Backwater Artists Group will present the work of four members Ciara Rodgers, Andrew Carroll, Anna Barden & Tina Whelan, as part of the Cork Harbour Festival 2024. The exhibition will explore maritime themes, the history of the Punishment Block and Fort Mitchel at Spike Island and the fort’s unique position in Cork Harbour through the mediums of drawing, performance, print and video. The opening event will include a performance by artist Ciara Rodgers, which will take the form of performative drawing actions engaging with the historical, physical and sensorial qualities of the building. The resultant drawings will be exhibited amongst the two spaces.
Cork Harbour Festival is the largest annual event in Cork Harbour offering a week-long celebration of Ireland’s maritime culture. The festival features over 80 different events – taking place in Cork City as well as in 15 harbour towns and villages.
At Spike Island, we are delighted to uphold our collaboration with Backwater Studio and contribute to this year’s involvement in the Cork Harbour Festival, celebrating Cork’s unique maritime heritage. Our venues feature exclusive art spaces housed within historic heritage buildings, boasting a storied history of nearly two centuries.
Backwater Artists Group is an artist-led organisation, located on Wandesford Quay, in the heart of Cork City. Our mission is to support and advocate for visual artists, allowing them to thrive and to foster a deep appreciation and enthusiasm for the visual arts within the community and to keep sites of production at the heart of Cork city.
SCHOOLHOUSE ruins are a common sight in the Irish countryside. Within their collapsing walls, lessons were learned and friends were made. Belief systems, traditions and moral codes were imprinted on young minds.
The building was a three-roomed school house, with classrooms divided by sliding screens.