Cover artists of An Gum

Madam, - Anna Mundow's article "Under Cover" (Weekend Review, November 13th) gives a fascinating outline of the early work of…

Madam, - Anna Mundow's article "Under Cover" (Weekend Review, November 13th) gives a fascinating outline of the early work of An Gúm, the Free State Publishing Agency which was established in the 1920s. In particular, the paper jackets of the books were the work of popular Irish artists, many of whom signed only their initials or remained anonymous.

Three of the book jackets referred to in the article are the work of AÓM, who was Art Ó Murnaghan (Arthur Murnaghan). Another work by him was the Prisoner's Christmas Card of 1917 which contained the names of the prisons where Republican activists were held after 1916. Clearly visible are his initials.

His major work is Leabhar na hAiséirighe (The Book of the Resurrection), an illuminated manuscript commissioned to honour those who died in the cause of nationalism.

This work of art is in the National Museum and six pages of it are on display in the current Neo-Celtic Art exhibition. - Yours, etc.,

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DAVID J. MURNAGHAN, Drumcondra, Dublin 9.