World’s oldest department store to become a work of art

Keith Ayton showing off his work with Declan Hasson, proprietor of Austin's.

The Londonderry-born painter who now lives in Belfast, explained: “With this series of large paintings, I’m exploring my relationship with the places and spaces of my youth, Derry City and the bordering counties of Derry/Donegal.

“Beginning last August, I revisited many of these areas. They’ve remained in my sub-conscious from childhood.

“Some are obscure and hidden places, often in the Sperrins or the Malin peninsula; many are easily recognisable such as the Grianan of Aileach, Kinnegoe Bay and the Five Finger Strand.” Older even than Harrod’s or Macey’s of New York, this is the first such event in the store’s 180-year history.

Declan Hasson from Austin’s commented: “Like everyone the City, we’re really excited at the wonderful prospects offered by the City of Culture celebration throughout 2013.”

“We believe that our ‘Gallery of Windows’ initiative in April will make a worthy contribution to the overall success and profile of the city’s celebrations. We’ve had a sneak preview of Keith’s exhibition, and we were most impressed with the work, especially the large landscapes.”