Art is the greatest gift

The Crawford Art Gallery has added to its ever-growing collection after being gifted a beautiful painting done by Cork artist James Mahony in 1852.

The painting, ‘The Official Opening of The National Exhibition of the Arts, Manufactures and Products of Ireland’, was purchased by independent support group Friends of Crawford Art Gallery.

Born in Cork sometime in the early 1800s, James Mahony moved to London in 1852 where he remained until his death in 1879.

According to the group’s treasurer Mary English, Mahony is best known for his graphic images of the effect of the famine in Co. Cork which were published in the Illustrated London News in the 1840s.

“This painting was chosen for its rich history of art, architecture and design prevalent in Cork at that time and the personal history of the artist who was a founding member of a Cork Art Union,” she said.

Crawford Director Mary McCarthy added: “It is a brilliant addition to the collection and ensures that this work will be kept in public circulation for public appreciation.”

Also running at the Crawford right now are commemorations exhibition ‘For Those That Tell No Tales’ by Dara McGrath, as well as renowned exhibitions Zurich Portrait Prize and Zurich Young Portrait Prize.

The Crawford Art Gallery is currently open to the public with numerous health and safety measures in place to ensure maximum enjoyment in a safe environment.

Dyane Hanrahan, Communications and Marketing Manager at the Crawford, said: “The response from the public has been very positive and they are enjoying being back in the gallery.”

For a full list of what to expect as a visitor to the gallery, visit crawfordartgallery.ie/visit.