For centuries, people have explored important historical events through art. From prehistoric cave paintings like the Chauvet Cave in France depicting animals such as mammoths and horses, to modern street art such as Banksy’s work, artistic expression records major achievements, religious changes and social transformations. These works offer valuable insight into the beliefs and values of past civilization. Within this article, I will be talking about Alison Lowry, an Irish artist who specializes in glass, and focuses on topics such as child abuse, domestic violence, gender, and the work she has created in relation to the Mother and Baby institutions in Ireland that ran from the 1920’s to the 1960’s. I will also refer to my own work and research into the Mother and Baby Homes.
Cave paintings of animals in Chauvet Cave, Southern France.
Follow Your Dreams- Cancelled, Banksy- Chinatown, Boston.
During the period of 1925-1961, institutions called ‘The Mother and Baby Homes’ operated throughout Ireland. These homes were run by a group of nuns called the Bon Secours Sisters, which were a congregation led by Roman Catholics. Their role was to take care of the sick and dying.
Women who fell pregnant outside of marriage were sent to these homes and were subsequently ostracized by society. After the women gave birth, they were required to stay in the home for one year, performing unpaid labor for the sisters as a way of reimbursement for what the nuns did for them. At the end of the year, these women were released, but their children remained in the home until they could be fostered, adopted or old enough to be sent to boarding schools. Adoption became legal in Ireland in 1953. From then on, they were adopted by families throughout Ireland, England, and The United States.
Catherine Corless at Mother and Baby Site in Tuam, Galway.
Catherine Corless, a historian from Tuam, Galway, advocated for there to be an excavation on the home in Tuam. She fought ever so hard, back and forth between Galway City Council and the Bon Secours Sisters. An investigation began in 2015 into excavating the site, but it did not begin until Summer 2025. 796 children died in the home, with another 69 human remains discovered in 2026.
Mother and Baby Home in Tuam, Galway
Artist Alison Lowry explores issues of gender, institutional abuse and domestic violence—here with an installation of glass scissors and human hair.
Alison Lowry is a Northern Irish artist who has created multiple pieces in relation to The Mother and Baby Homes. Lowry explores themes of child abuse and domestic violence through her work in the medium of glass. ‘Home Babies’ is a piece created by Lowry in relation to the homes. This is where Lowry contacted Catherine Corless and the two conversed about the Home in Tuam, and Catherine’s personal experience with growing up there. This piece consists of 9 Christening Robes suspended in a dark room, with spotlights on just the robes. She talks about how she wanted a soft, ghostly feel to them. She created these robes through a technique called pâte de verre (glass paste).
Alison Lowry Glass Christening Robe at Collins Barracks
Alison Lowry Glass Christening Robe at Collins Barracks.
Within my own practice, I have done research into the Mother and Baby Homes throughout Ireland. I watched a documentary called “Stolen” directed by Margo Harkin. Within this, it tells the stories of how women who had the misfortune of falling pregnant outside of wedlock were treated in Ireland that was heavily influenced by the Catholic Church. After watching this, it helped give me an insight and understanding of the victims that unfortunately suffered in these institutions.
I also was very privileged in getting the opportunity to meet Catherine Corless and interview her in relation to the Mother and Baby Home in Tuam.
Although my work is not solely focused on these institutions, it heavily influences the pieces that I have created over the academic year. My research began with looking into these institutions throughout Ireland. I read the Ryan Report on the home in Tuam. I interviewed Catherine Corless, I read and watched multiple articles. However, I concluded that I wanted to expand my knowledge and research by looking at the broader picture: Women’s health being neglected.
Because of artists like Alison Lowry, we can explore historical events through artworks. This is so important because it helps capture emotions, struggles, and perspectives of the people living through them. Through my work and research, I hope to raise awareness about injustice and inspire people to act during important moments in history. Art allows different voices and experiences to be represented, especially those that may not appear in official historical documentation. Artistic works also help future generations connect with historical events on a deeper, emotional level.