To mark the twenty-fifth anniversary year of the Belfast Good Friday agreement, Ulster University welcomed an exhibition for the first time to Northern Ireland, to celebrate one of the occasion’s principal architects, John Hume. In partnership with the European Parliament Liaison Office in the UK and The John and Pat Hume Foundation, the exhibit, initially located in Derry, embarked on a year-long tour across the university campuses including Coleraine and Belfast.

The display also honoured twenty-five years since Hume was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize with David Trimble for their efforts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict in Northern Ireland. The exhibition, “He made hope and history rhyme” took inspiration from the words of fellow Nobel prize winner and friend, Seamus Heaney.

The exhibition featured panels with highlights of Hume’s role in the peace process alongside a bronze bust, one of only five specially commissioned pieces created by Ballymena born sculptor, Liz O’Kane. The remaining busts are installed at the Irish embassies in Washington DC, London, the European Parliament in Strasbourg and Leinster House in Dublin. After the tour of Ulster University’s campuses this piece will take up residence in the Guildhall in December 2024. Alongside the exhibition was a creation by Dublin tapestry artist, Catherine O’Connor whose grandparents hailed from Derry. The tapestry, commissioned by friends of John and Pat Hume shines a light on Pat and the strength of her relationship with John and her integral role in the peace process.