President Michael D. Higgins mourns the death of Tim Robinson

Following the death of Tim Robinson, President Michael D. Higgins has penned a tribute to the acclaimed artist and author's profound life and work. He passed away today due to Covid-19 complications, just two weeks following the death of his wife Mairéad. President Higgins remembers Robinson for his deep understanding of the cultural landscape of Connemara and his ability to enchant people with his detailed and engaging work. Robinson is best known for his nonfiction trilogy of books on Connemara and two-volume study of the Aran Islands.

President Higgins' full statement is below.

“It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of Tim Robinson, writer, illustrator, artist, mathematician, cartographer and member of Aosdána.

For his family and for his wide circle of friends the news, so soon after the death of his wife Mairéad, is particularly painful.

Having long been an admirer of Tim’s work, from the magnificent Folding Landscapes maps to his stunning trilogy on Connemara and his Stones of Aran volumes, I had the privilege of discussing his work with him on a number of occasions and developed a deep respect for the man behind these masterful works.

He will be remembered for his deep understanding of and affection for the landscape, heritage and people of Connemara, the Burren and the Aran Islands, which allowed him to reveal, in such an engaging way, so much of that which had escaped the less trained, less thoughtful and less sympathetic eye.

Tim Robinson was a scholar who shared his profound understanding of his surroundings, and sought to draw attention to the incalculable value of the natural world and the threats that exist to our linguistic, cultural and physical heritage.

As a valued member of Aosdána and the Royal Irish Academy, Tim comfortably combined his scientific and artistic talents to enchanting effect in his wonderful publications. He was a scholar with unique and inter-disciplinary talents and an incomparable sense of wonder.

Tim and Mairéad have left a magnificent and enduring legacy. Sabina and I offer the members of their extended family and their friends our deepest condolences.”