November the 10th, Visit to the F.E.McWilliam Gallery, Banbridge.

Photographs by Paula Campbell.

F.E. Mc William Gallery and Studio in Banbridge is dedicated to the memory of Banbridge-born sculptor Frederick Edward McWilliam, one of Ireland’s most influential and successful artists. 

Participants walked around the exhibition dipping in and out of the talk provided by the tour guide. His early pieces were semi abstract but later many of the sculptures were of figures or a part of a figure e.g. legs. These sculptures were more recognisable to the participants, who found great joy at pointing out the tiny details in the feet. Participant’s appreciated the time and skill which went into producing these pieces and were overwhelmed by the amount of work one man had
achieved.

Many of the larger pieces were located in the garden area. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect showing these pieces at their best and producing interesting shadows. Also, the design of these gardens meant that participants required no support from the facilitators as it was all on one level, had a very visual path to guide you to the sculptures and a view off the whole garden from any one point.

The cafe had floor to ceiling windows overlooking the gardens and sculptures, together with our new found friendships, homemade vegetable soup and not forgetting a cup of tea, it ended our more than perfect day.


Text by Sinead Hyman