One of the UK and Ireland’s artistic ‘hidden gems’ is safely welcoming everyone back

FE McWilliam Gallery and Studio reopened in Banbridge today (Wednesday July 29) and is safely welcoming back visitors to enjoy its award-winning permanent display of McWilliam’s work, outstanding exhibitions, craft shop, gardens, food and drink.

Dedicated to the memory of local sculptor Frederick Edward McWilliam, one of Ireland’s most influential and successful artists, the free-to-visit gallery and studio, which has been closed since March, will be open Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm.

Described by the Irish Times as one of the island’s ‘hidden gems’ and a “remarkable” facility, top travel expert Pol O’Conghaile at the Irish Independent has also described the gallery and studio as a ‘hidden gem’ while heaping praise on its award-winning restaurant, Quail’s.

The FE McWilliam Gallery and Studio was established in 2008, two decades after the sculptor’s death, to house works his family bequeathed to the people of Banbridge, including the contents of his studio, a replica of which sits in the garden.

The son of a local doctor, McWilliam was born in the town in 1909 and his work spans most of the major artistic movements of the 20th century.

Featuring a permanent display of McWilliam’s work, temporary exhibitions of Irish and international art, a craft shop, café and Banbridge Visitor Information Point, the FE McWilliam Gallery and Studio is popular among visitors from across the island.

FE McWilliam Gallery & Studio Curator, Dr Riann Coulter, said:

“After being closed for four long months, we are thrilled to be reopening our doors and to be safely welcoming back visitors to enjoy the gallery, exhibitions and our outstanding restaurant. We provide a unique experience which celebrates our artistic greats in a relaxing, spacious and safe environment which promotes reflection and thought. We’re really looking forward to seeing everyone back.”

The FE McWilliam Gallery reopened to the public on Wednesday 29th of July. Opening hours for August will be Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

In the main gallery, the exhibition Penumbra featuring the work of eight female painters from Ireland runs until the 3 October while in the garden, work by sculptors Orla de Bri, Anna Campbell and Eileen MacDonagh are showcased in the exhibition Steel Stone Bronze.

Quail’s at the Gallery will be open for breakfast, coffee and lunch. Outdoor dining is also available.

For more information on visiting FE McWilliam Gallery & Studio, and for great ideas, things to do, places to eat, drink and stay, log on to, www.visitarmagh.com/reopening-summer-20.

County Down artist Alison Lowry wins prestigious award

The Friends of the F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Studio, Banbridge have awarded the Maurna Crozier Memorial Bursary 2020 to local artist Alison Lowry.

The annual bursary, which enables an artist to spend two weeks, all expenses paid, at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, a renowned artists’ retreat in Co. Monaghan, was established in memory of Dr Maurna Crozier who was a founding member of the Friends of the F.E. McWilliam Gallery and a board member of the Tyrone Guthrie Centre.

“Maurna had a lifelong commitment to improving the cultural life of Northern Ireland, supporting aspiring artists and facilitating creativity, so we are delighted to award the bursary in her name to a local artist. We hope that Alison’s experience at the Tyrone Guthrie inspires more of her exciting work” said Millie Moore, Chair of the Friends of the F.E. McWilliam Gallery.

Alison Lowry is a glass artist living and working from her studio, ‘Schoolhouse Glass’ in Saintfield. She graduated from the University of Ulster in 2009 and has since won several international awards. She has exhibited in Europe, Asia and North America and her work is held in a number of public collections including the National Gallery of Ireland.

Alison creates challenging sculptural artworks from glass that reference Ireland’s rich textile heritage. Her current exhibition (A) Dressing Our Hidden Truths is an installation in the Decorative Arts & History Museum, Dublin, and is an artistic response to Ireland’s Magdalene laundries, mother and baby homes and industrial schools.

Dr Riann Coulter, Curator of the F.E. McWilliam Gallery said, ‘I am thrilled that the Friends have awarded the Maurna Crozier Bursary to such a talented and deserving local artist. Back in 2009, we included one of Alison’s first major art works – a stunning glass Christening gown – in the Designers & Maker’s exhibition. Since then, Alison’s career has gone from strength to strength and it has been a pleasure to see her receive the national and international recognition she deserves. At this difficult time, it is particularly important that we support our artists and creative people, many of whom are struggling’.