Previously unseen art pieces unveiled at Bridewell

Date published: 6 September 2018

The previously unseen art pieces are from State collections and the exhibition provides an opportunity to show the art to the public. The exhibition includes 30 paintings chosen from the Northern Ireland Civil Service collection and the Office of Public Works in Dublin.

The Office of Public Works have selected the pieces to be displayed in Magherafelt. The curators were in attendance at the launch and were more than happy to explain how the artwork was chosen, catalogued and displayed for the exhibition.

Speaking at the opening, Sue Gray, Permanent Secretary in the Department of Finance said: “I was delighted to open this exhibition today in Magherafelt. This previously unseen artwork belongs to all of us and it is vital that we make art collections as accessible as possible. I would encourage everyone in the local area and beyond to take the opportunity to be among the first people ever to view these fabulous pieces.

“Art in all its forms enriches lives. My Department, in conjunction with the Office of Public Works, plan to show this collection to a range of places within the community; to schools, libraries, and other public spaces where people have an opportunity to view, appreciate and reflect on the work.”

Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Sean McPeake, said: “Opening up access to the arts in all forms to greater numbers of people is a key element of Mid Ulster District Council’s own cultural programme and we’re pleased to be supporting an exhibition which is bringing work of this quality to Magherafelt.

“It’s a unique opportunity to see a collection of artwork, drawn from throughout the North and South of Ireland, which has never before been curated for public display and I have no doubt local people will enjoy the exhibition while it is here.”

The exhibition will run from Thursday 6^th September to 28^th October 2018 and is free to attend.