RCPI's Heritage Centre receives Heritage Council funding
RCPI’s Heritage Centre have received funding from The Heritage Council’s 2025 Community Heritage Grant Scheme, to carry out research and conservation on one of our unique collections.
The Quin Tassie collection, donated to RCPI in 1926, consists of 26 drawers of miniature gem casts and moulds thought to have been created by James Tassie (1735-1799), the renowned Scottish gem engraver, and his mentor, College President Dr Henry Quin (1717-1791), an important patron of the arts.
In partnership with colleagues from National Galleries Scotland and the University of Edinburgh, the project will see a full survey of the collections undertaken for the first time. A conservation audit will also be carried out, with essential cleaning and rehousing of this valuable collection taking place.
Prof Brendan Kelly, RCPI Dun’s Librarian said, "The Quin Tassie Collection provides a unique perspective on an important intersection of art, science and medicine. It stands as a testament to the ways in which these disciplines have informed and influenced each other over time, contributing to our broader cultural and intellectual heritage. Funding from the Heritage Council will help preserve this highly unusual collection and facilitate future research."
Imitations of antique gems, like those in this collection, were valuable educational tools for those who wanted to learn about the visual culture of ancient Greece and Rome and were part of the 18th century’s fascination with classical times. After learning the technique of gem imitation from Quin, and possibly developing the jealously guarded recipe for their glass paste together, Tassie settled in London and became one of the most famous producers of this type of object. His reputation was international and he secured an order from Catherine the Great of Russia.
You can find out more about the project and keep up to date on progress on our website - https://heritage.rcpi.ie/Projects/Quin-Tassie-Collection
A pop-up exhibition about the Quin Tassie Collection will be held in RCPI’s Kildare Street home during Heritage Week in August - https://www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings/investigating-the-quin-tassie-collection-pop-up-exhibition