Imogen Stuart RHA - Beehive

 Introduction

In Europe a thousand years ago, when the Roman Empire had collapsed and civilisation seemed at the mercy of Barbarians, culture and learning were kept alive by small, scattered communities of monks. Their lives were devoted to study and meditation and to this end they chose their surroundings with great care and deliberation. The most distinctive form of habitation which they evolved was the beehive cell, a unique personal vehicle for seclusion and simple peace. Remains of these structures are still to be seen in Western Europe, particularly on the west coast of Ireland.

Now, a thousand years later, I have tried to recreate the beehive cell. I have long been a student of its form and significance and my decision to build one was prompted by my belief in its importance for our day and age. In an increasingly chaotic world, it offers a place of perfect retreat, a personal centre for spiritual reflection and renewal as well as being an object of great aesthetic beauty and profound historical interest.

I will have a limited number of beehive cells available. The basic construction of each beehive meditation room will be the same but the interior furnishing can vary, being designed in consultation to suit one’s personal taste.

The photograph shows the beehive meditation room which is, at present, on show in the heritage museum in Knock, Co. Mayo.

It is built of cedar wood, an extremely durable timber which was already used in biblical times. Every detail is hand finished, from the inside and outside walls to the separate items. The seating is comfortably shaped, morticed and tenoned through the cedarblock wall construction. Traditional woodjoints have been used instead of nails. The door runs on tracks and the door handle is functional as well as decorative, like the coathanger in the shape of a fish. The window and skylight are made of handcast glass, the leading ain the former being in the shape of the old Irish “Saint Brigid’s Cross”. The floor rug, in its colouring, represents the four seasons. The beehive comes in two easily assembled horizontal halves with a timber floor.

The smell, touch and acoustic qualities of the cedar wood interior seem to inspire an experience of healing, as well as great harmony of peace.

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Imogen Stuart RHA, 2004

For futher information, please contact the gallery.