Hamilton Gallery

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St Brigid's Day London 2019 / Opening Reception

We are delighted to share this album of photographs from the opening of our St Brigid's Day exhibition at 12 Star Gallery in London on January 22nd. The exhibition was opened by Irish Ambassador to Great Britain Adrian O’Neill with guest of honour Ireland’s Professor of Poetry,  Eilean Ni Chuilleanain.

Photography http://www.jamiesmith.photo/

The exhibition was inspired by the late Leland Bardwell's poem "St Brigid's Day 1989". Our deepest thanks to Eilean Ni Chuilleanain - Leland's friend for many years - who travelled over to London to give a stunning and moving opening address; to Ambassador Adrian O’Neill from the Irish Embassy To Great Britain for making us so welcome in the busy run up to their St Brigid's Day / Lá Fhéile Bríde celebration of women and creativity 2019.

Thank you to all the members of Leland Bardwell's family who joined us as well. Your presence made the opening extremely special.

We can't express enough thanks to Anne Derwin at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade who came to us with the original proposal to undertake the exhibition last year, and to Jeremy O'Sullivan and all at 12 Star Gallery for their immense support and encouragement on this project.

Above all thank you to the 90 women artists who entrusted us with their art works, and took a leap of faith with us on this really exciting endeavour.

The exhibition runs at 12 Star gallery until Friday February 1st, St Brigid's Day. That day there will be a closing celebration with many of the exhibiting artists in attendance. Renowned Irish Actor Olwen Fouéré will give readings from the poetry and writings of Leland Bardwell, with music from Sligo's own award winning fiddle player Caoimhe Kearins and much more.

Thank you to Jamie Smith of Jamie Smith Photography www.jamiesmith.photo the 12 Star Gallery official photographer on the night who captured the event magnificently through his lens.