Write a commentTwo paintings by Newry born artist Margaret Clarke have been bought by Newry Museum thanks to support from Art Fund, the Northern Ireland Museums Council and the Friends of the National Collections of Ireland.
Margaret Clarke (née Crilley) began her studies at Newry Municipal Technical College in the twentieth century and after further training in Dublin established herself as one of Ireland premier portrait painters in the 1920’s and 1930’s. She painted many important public figures including Éamon de Valera and Archbishop John MacQuaid.
Since holding a small exhibition of Margaret Clarke’s work in November 2007 to coincide with the unveiling of blue plaque to her by the Ulster History Circle, it has been the ambition of Newry and Mourne Museum to acquire some of her paintings for the Museum Collection.
Last spring, Fiana Griffin kindly lent two paintings by Margaret Clarke for the Museum’s temporary exhibition on local women. These paintings show Clarke’s youngest child, David, as a baby and as a teenager and are high quality examples of Margaret Clarke’s work. Fiana Griffin was very keen that these two paintings should come permanently to the Museum and subsequently gave the Museum the opportunity to purchase these paintings.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Vice Chairperson Councillor Garth Craig said, “It is wonderful that Newry and Mourne Museum has been successful in acquiring these two paintings. I would like to thank the Art Fund, the Northern Ireland Museums Council and the Friends of the National Collections of Ireland for enthusiastically supporting this venture by generously providing grant aid.”
Museum Curator Noreen Cunningham added, “We are delighted that these paintings by one of Ireland’s most important women artists are now part of the Museum Collection. Hopefully, this acquisition will be help to revive interest in Margaret Clarke in her home town.”
Both paintings will go on display in the Museum as part of a major revamp of the main exhibitions planned for 2018.
Newry and Mourne Museum is open to the public seven days a week and admission is free.
For more information phone 028 3031 3178 or visit bagenalscastle.com
