James Joyce Bistro
The Inspiration
The James Joyce Bistro is the result of a long-standing literary exploration by David Peacock, proprietor of Peacock Billiards, and artist Robert Amos. For more than a decade David has been studying Ulysses by James Joyce (1882-1941) and Robert has been reading that authorÍs last work, Finnegans Wake.
David commissioned Robert to paint the decor for this restaurant using a style which Amos had developed based on Chinese and Japanese calligraphy. Amos had already worked with this imagery in a circular form in his decorations for porcelain bowls based on Ming Dynasty originals. The inclusion of Celtic knotwork patterns was a natural addition to the texts, which are transcribed carefully from Joyce, the great Irish writer. The characters are based on photos of Joyce and his wife Nora, or are derived from the etchings of Rembrandt.
During the winter of 2006-7 Robert Amos created the 15 table tops, five wall panels and the 14 foot long counter for the bar with the help of his wife, Sarah. The circular tables incorporate texts from Finnegans Wake, while the rectangular wall panels and bar top present extensive quotations from Ulysses.
The artwork was painted with acrylic paint, diluted with water, directly onto unprimed Baltic birch plywood. The finish for the tables is poured epoxy resin.
We hope you enjoy dining in this unique ambience and that you will find the words of James Joyce inspiring and delightful.
The Menus
Click Here for our Dining Menu
Click Here for our Dessert Menu
Click Here for our Wet List
Click Here for our Wine List
Click Here for our Late Night Menu
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