"Exhibition of extensive work of Enniskillen artist Liam Blake set to go on display," September 29-October 31, 2018, Devenish Gallery

Liam Blake lived in Newtownbutler for a long time and had an exhibition there in a chemist shop or some shop and it was very successful, and we have from time to time people bringing in works and wanting us to sell them and every time his name comes up there is always somebody after it.”

“The interesting thing is Liam painted on everything, on board, on the back of cigarette packs. He was very artistic in that sense which is great, and we will have some of them to show.”

Colin explained that there was an extensive collection of Liam’s work and he is confident that the exhibition will be a success and a starting point for future exhibitions.

“For the exhibition we have about 40 paintings plus some archival stuff showing the way he worked.

“There is a very solid demand for his work and there are enough paintings for two or three exhibitions and we will gradually do that over time and I think the value will go up.

“I have no doubt it will be a success. We are not going out to ask for big prices because we will never get them but people who know the family and the history will come along and there are a lot of people around the town who like his work.”

Liam’s brother Arthur Blake has fond memories of his brother and is delighted that his work is being displayed again.

“It’s great to see Liam’s work being exhibited again. Liam was my older brother who I have very early memories of doodling and copying from his favourite comics that we all enjoyed, Beano, Dandy and Film Fun.

“We exhibited Liam’s work in The Melvin Restaurant and I also recall him exhibiting in Dublin with great reviews in The Irish Press, Evening Herald and local papers.

“We knew he was very talented and we knew he often worked and re-worked his paintings until he was happy with them.”

Noelle McAlinden, chair of Fermanagh Live described the exhibition as a “great coup” for the festival.

“We are delighted to have such a vibrant visual arts programme that reflects just some of the amazing talent of local and internationally renowned artists.

“Liam Blake’s exhibition is definitely a great coup and opportunity to showcase and celebrate an artist prolific and very talented and definitely ahead of his time, some of his work has been referenced to that of Francis Bacon.

“We are indebted to The Blake Family and to the Devenish Gallery for their support in making this Exhibition part of this years Fermanagh Live Arts Festival.”

Liam Blake Retrospective opens at Devenish Gallery at 7pm September 29 and runs through to October 31.

Source:
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