Ada Leask facts for kids

Ada Leask (born October 27, 1899 – died August 12, 1987) was an important Irish historian and antiquary. An antiquary is someone who studies old objects and history. She spent her life learning about and preserving Ireland's past.

Ada Leask's Early Life and Education

Ada Kathleen Longfield was born in Kanpur, India, on October 27, 1899. Her parents were Major Alfred Percival Longfield and Constance Ada Sanders. She was their oldest daughter.

Because she wasn't very healthy as a child, Ada spent a lot of time with her relatives in County Cork, Ireland. She later attended Trinity College Dublin, where she was a top student and won many awards. She earned her first degrees in 1921.

Ada continued her studies at the London School of Economics. She earned her Master's degree in 1926. In 1929, she published her special research paper. It was all about trade between England and Ireland in the 1500s.

Working at the National Museum of Ireland

After a short time working as a teacher, Ada got a job at the National Museum of Ireland in 1932. She worked in the art and industrial section. She was one of the last people to get special training at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. This training helped her learn how to care for and study historical objects.

Research and Contributions

Ada Leask married Harold G. Leask, who was an architect and archaeologist. At that time, many women had to leave their jobs when they got married. So, Ada left her position at the museum.

However, she didn't stop her important work! She continued to do her own research and write many books and articles. She wrote about many interesting historical topics, including:

• Irish lace
• Delftware (a type of pottery)
• Tombstones
• Old pictures
• Wallpaper
• Wall-paintings
• Textiles (fabrics)

Ada also worked with the Irish Manuscripts Commission. This group helps to preserve old Irish writings. Her work led to the publication of important historical documents, like the Shapland Carew papers in 1946 and the Fitzwilliam accounts 1560–65 in 1960. She often joined her husband when he visited and studied old archaeological sites.

Memberships and Later Life

In 1952, Ada Leask was chosen to be a member of the Royal Irish Academy. This is a very respected group of scholars in Ireland. She was also an active member of several other historical societies, including:

• The County Kildare Archaeological Society
• The Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland
• The Irish Georgian Society

Ada Leask was good friends with the famous poet John Betjeman. She also supported the Irish language and attended services held in Irish at Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin. Even when her eyesight started to get worse in the 1970s, she kept doing her research and writing.

Ada Leask passed away in Dublin on August 12, 1987. She was buried in Mount Jerome Cemetery. Her work helped many people learn about Ireland's rich history and culture.