Exhibition explores Wallace Collection

Following the success of the Re: New Wallace Collection exhibitions since 2018, R-Space will deliver the fourth in a series of collaborative cultural projects involving a Northern Irish artist/maker and the Wallace Collection in London, thus celebrating his historical/cultural connection with Co. Antrim and Lisburn in particular.
Artist Matthew WilsonArtist Matthew Wilson
Artist Matthew Wilson

Re: New Wallace #4 will link the Wallace Collection with the historical past of the Hertford family and their strong links with Lisburn where Sir Richard Wallace was the local MP, benefactor and land-owner.

The selected artist this year is Matthew Wilson. A recent graduate of Belfast School of Art, he has previously been included in exhibitions such as the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition 2018, London and the Royal Ulster Academy of Arts Annual Exhibition 2019, Belfast.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In 2019, he was granted a scholarship to attend the New York Academy of Art Summer Residency. He has worked on a number of commissioned projects, both with institutions such as Ulster University and Queens University and within the local community.

“I am delighted to have been selected by R-Space to produce work in response to its connection with The Wallace Collection, London and particularly the Rococo style which features heavily in the Collection’s interiors,” said Matthew.

“Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 restrictions, I have been unable to travel to the Wallace Collection but feel confident that working alongside Anthea McWilliams of R-Space, the curators of The Wallace Collection and their excellent online resources will allow me to develop a series of works inspired by this fascinating collection and the Rococo period.

“Although not living in Lisburn extensively, Wallace’s connection to this place and its people can still be seen reverberated throughout the city today, particularly in his philanthropic work.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I am keen to investigate the strong ties between the two locations, exploiting the dichotomy of the landscapes and the role they had within Wallace’s own life.”

The exhibition runs until May 14 at R-Space Gallery and online at www.rspacelisburn.com.

Related topics: