Ambassador of Latvia to open major Abbé Edgeworth exhibition in Edgeworthstown Library
The Ambassador of Latvia will open a major new exhibition in Edgeworthstown Library on Monday, 13 July, celebrating the remarkable life of Abbé Henry Essex Edgeworth, a Longford born priest whise story connects Ireland, France, and Latvia.
The exhibition, ‘The Extraordinary Life of Abbé Edgeworth’, is organised by Longford County Library and Archives Service in association with the Maria Edgeworth Centre.
His Excellence, Mr Juris Štālmeistars, Ambassador of Latvia will be performing the official opening.
Born in Edgeworthstown in 1745, Abbé Henry Essex Edgeworth was a relative of the renowned author Maria Edgeworth.
After his family moved to France, he was ordained a priest in 1769 and later became confessor to King Louis XVI and the King’s sister, Madame Elizabeth, during the French Revolution.
Following the King’s execution in 1793, Edgeworth fled France and eventually became chaplain and almoner to the exiled King Louis XVIII.
He died in 1807 in present-day Jelgava, Latvia.
The exhibition brings together rare archives, artefacts and historical objects from collections across Ireland, many of which have never previously been displayed publicly.
Loans have been secured from a number of institutions, including the National Library of Ireland, the Archives of the Irish Capuchin Province, Glenstal Abbey and the Maria Edgeworth Centre, whose collection contains many important items connected with the Edgeworth family.
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Gerry Hagan, said, “This exhibition shines a light on one of the most extraordinary figures associated with County Longford.
"Abbé Edgeworths life spanned some of the most dramatic events in European history yet his story remains largley unknown.
"We are delighted to help bring that story to a wider audience and honoured to welcome His Excellency, Ambassador Juris Štālmeistars, to Edgeworthstown for this special occasion.
"The exhibition highlights a remarkable connection between Longford and Latvia and reminds us of the international reach of our local history.”
Deputy Chief Executive of Longford County Council, John Brannigan, said, “This exhibition has been made possible through the generosity and collaboration of a number of institutions and custodians of important historical collections.
"We are deeply grateful for their support in allowing these rare items to be displayed in Longford.
"Together, they help tell a fascinating story of faith, exile, loyalty and international connections that stretches from Edgeworthstown to France and Latvia.”
The exhibition opens in Edgeworthstown Library on Monday, 13 July at 7.30pm and will continue until 14 August during normal library opening hours.
After its run in Edgeworthstown, the exhibition panels will travel to libraries throughout County Longford before being made available for loan to other interested institutions.