Art project brings story of ‘Maud’ to life

One of Carrickfergus’s most notorious spectres was the inspiration behind a town centre art project at the weekend.
From left Michael Sparkes, Steve Diamond,  Carrick Mayor Alderman Charles Johnston and Joanne Campbell.  INCT 31-723-CONFrom left Michael Sparkes, Steve Diamond,  Carrick Mayor Alderman Charles Johnston and Joanne Campbell.  INCT 31-723-CON
From left Michael Sparkes, Steve Diamond, Carrick Mayor Alderman Charles Johnston and Joanne Campbell. INCT 31-723-CON

On Saturday, shoppers on High Street got a first hand glimpse of a ‘live’ painting session outside Dobbin’s Inn.

The event was organised by local artists Joanne Campbell, Steve Diamond and Michael Sparkes, whose subject was the historic building’s reputed resident ghost, Maud.

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The artistic trio, who call themselves TRIART (Three Really Interesting Artists Rally Together), are on a mission to get out and paint the wonders of the local area in a setting where people can watch.

According to legend, “Maud” was Elizabeth Dobbin, who was married to the Mayor of Carrickfergus in the 17th century.

She began an affair with a soldier from Carrickfergus Castle, but her angry husband killed the lovers.

Staff at Dobbin’s Inn have reportedly felt her invisible spirit gliding past them, while at Saturday’s session, many members of the public had their own stories to tell of the spectre’s often benign appearances.

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Each artist chose to show a difference aspect of the Maud story, with Joanne’s acrylic piece depicting the lady preparing to steal her way out through a secret tunnel for an illicit liaison.

Steve Diamond, a water colourist, painted the doomed lovers as transparent ghosts outside the inn at night, while Michael Sparkes’s oil painting imagined Maud with a dove on her hand, symbolizing her ill-fated love for another man.

Offering his support for the event was current Mayor of Carrickfergus, Alderman Charles Johnston. Passersby, meanwhile, were enthralled to see the pictures taking shape in front of them.

All three artworks will be displayed inside Dobbin’s Inn in the near future. TRIART have thanked the venue for its support and hospitality.

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