Edward McGuire, RHA

35.00

Brian Fallon

A biographical and critical study of the Irish artist noted for his still life and portraits. Includes a complete catalogue of his works; plus poems and memoirs by some of his many distinguished literary sitters: Heaney, Durcan, Stuart, Montague, Longley and Cronin

Hardback

ISBN: 9780716524786 Categories: ,

Description

In the opening words of his study of Edward McGuire (1932-86), Brian Fallon describes him as ‘the finest Irish portrait painter of his generation, and … possibly the finest Irish portraitist since John Butler Yeats’. This book provides a biography and critical study of McGuire and reproduces a veritable Irish portrait gallery of the 1960s and 1970s. It also includes a Catalogue compiled by Sally McGuire, the painter’s widow.

Many poets and writers sat for Edward McGuire at his invitation – often before their reputation was established. Many, in turn, have accepted Sally McGuire’s inspired invitation to write for this book: Seamus Heaney, John Montague, Michael Longley and Paul Durcan have written new poems for the occasion; Francis Stuart, Anthony Cronin and Pearse Hutchinson have written memoirs about the painter and their portrait.

CONTENTS

Introduction

EDWARD McGUIRE BY BRIAN FALLON
Early Days
Italy and Art
Home and the Slade
Aran and Self-discovery
Years of Fame
The Seventies
The Eighties and Decline
Standing
Style and Working Methods

PORTRAITS, POEMS AND MEMOIRS
Memoir by Pearse Hutchinson
Poem by Michael Hartnett
‘A Basket of Chestnuts’ by Seamus Heaney
Memoir by Anthony Cronin
‘Portrait of the Painter as a Creature of Painstaking Courtesy’ by Paul Durcan
Memoir by Francis Stuart
‘Sitting for Eddie’ by Michael Longley
‘The Yachtsman’s Jacket’ by John Montague

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brian Fallon is Chief Critic and former Literary Editor of The Irish Times and a member of the board of the Irish Museum of Modern Art.