James Joyce Seat of Learning

Adam G

When I first saw the steel sculpture near the bluestone fence located on the south side of the forecourt of the State Library of Victoria, I wondered what it was. It had the name "JOYCE" cut out on both sides and what looked like a brick in the benchtop. Even after reading the inscription plate on the face of the bluestone fence and discovering that this was "James Joyce Seat of Learning", I was none the wiser so I went hunting. This is what I discovered.... The "James Joyce Seat of Learning", is a sculpture designed by artist Rick Dalmau. It was unveiled on 26 August, 2004 to commemorate one of Ireland’s most famous novelist and poet, James Joyce. Joyce is best known for Ulysses (1922). The State Library of Victoria has number 25 of the 100 limited 1922 first editions of Ulysses signed by Joyce. During the unveiling, Rick Dalmau said he was inspired by "something Brendan Kilty said" about Irish monks sitting on high stools while writing illuminated manuscripts. Incorporated in the centre of the steel seat is a brick from James Joyce's now demolished childhood home in Drumcondra, Ireland. This seat is the second of 63 similar seats placed in cities around the world including Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia and Camden, New Jersey, USA.

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