From its debut in 1853 as one of the world’s first department stores, Clerys became an Irish national treasure. Having created the brand ahead of its reopening, our task was to reframe the newly-restored Clerys Quarter. To capture the craft and care behind the development and the sentiment of the public. Renaissance became the central idea that would represent step change and rejuvenation. From here, we built a campaign to re-introduce Clerys and create a destination – beginning with a public exhibition to mark its significance in Irish history as we set out the vision for its future.

The Tradition
From its inception, Clerys has been inseparable from the fabric of Dublin life. An Irish institution that burnt down at the Easter Rising, it rose from the ashes at its 1922 re-opening where a ’first-class orchestra’ set the backdrop for shoppers and visitors. Countless stories of love and friendship have started under its clock in the decades since. Its place is cemented in the city’s history and in the hearts of its people.

The Archives
Clerys: The Archives invited the public to step through time and relive 150 years of history. Curated alongside Historian Caitlin White, the exhibition displayed artefacts dating back to 1947, images and tales of Clerys throughout the years, personal stories from the documentary ‘Under the Clock’. It ended with details of the dedicated skill and artistry that have revived the building for the people who treasure it, and for generations to come.

The Memories
Clerys: The Archives ran for two weeks in January 2023. The restored Clerys Clock was revealed by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Caroline Conroy and horologist Philip Stokes, formally announcing the opening of the exhibition. The event received over 200 pieces of coverage in print and online and was attended by thousands of people.

Special thanks to Fuel and Wilson Hartnell for working alongside us on exhibition production and PR.