LOCAL IMAGES

Photographic exhibition by Thomas “The Miller” Doherty

A unique photographic collection of Buncrana throughout the years is now on display at the Inishowen Art Gallery, Milltown Business Park, Ardaravan.

Thomas “The Miller” Doherty from Ballymagan Buncrana, has been snapping and collecting old images of Buncrana and local residents since 1944. It started when he worked for Neil Farren who was the chemist in the town. “Neil was also a professional photographer as well as a chemist and was a real inspiration to me.” Thomas explains, “He saw I was interested in taking pictures and bought me my first camera, a box brownie.”

“Neil and I would go out to the Plaza on the Main St and Neil would take photos of people dancing and enjoying themselves.”

“As the pictures were taken I would take the film to Neil’s wife and she would develop them straight away in the shop. It’s hard to believe now, but thanks to a state of the art Roll Head printer, those photos were ready by two in the morning when the Plaza closed. Neil and I would be outside the Plaza doors with the pictures ready for sale. We sold hundreds of them.” He remembers.

Thomas, who is a long time member of the Buncrana West Inishowen History and Heritage Society, explains how the exhibition came about.

“I was talking to Adam Porter who runs the Inishowen Art Gallery about this year being Heritage Year and we thought it would be a great idea to set up the exhibition to celebrate the fact. Adam is showcasing Inishowen based artists in his gallery so this exhibition complements it well.”

Thomas also hopes people will be generous and put some money in the donation box in aid of the Foyle Hospice. Copy of the prints will also be available and all of the proceeds from these will also go to the Hospice.

“There isn’t a family in Inishowen that hasn’t been affected by illnesses such as cancer so the hospice is a vital part of the community and is well worth supporting.” Neil reminds us.

The photos Thomas has in his vast collection are of people of Buncrana dating back over 100 years. There are also street scenes. “It’s amazing how many people who look at the images see someone that they know or are related to”

Thomas also takes his show on the road and has done slideshows in local schools and the Buncrana library and is keen to expand his collection “ If anyone has old photo’s of the town and people from the area I would love to see them.” He says. “I can take a copy instantly and give them straight back. Photo’s are very precious and they become more valuable over time, and I realise their value to families.”


Adam Ported is delighted to have the photographs in his new purpose designed art gallery in the HML complex at Ardaravan. “Thomas has gathered the most comprehensive collection of local photographic history and we are delighted to have it here at the Inishowen Art Gallery. I think it will be a real draw for local people to come in and is bound to awaken some old memories.

Thomas agrees “Photo’s are for sharing” he concludes.

The exhibition is on now at the Inishowen Art Gallery, Milltown Business Park, Buncrana. For more information please contact Adam on 086 3552500

ARTLINK EXHIBITION BY PAUL KERR

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Artist Paul Kerr held an exhibition at Fort Dunree in Inishowen this week. Called Somewhere Else , the images reflect the isolation and nature of the area.There was a good turn out at the opening with local and national artists attending.

5 MINUTES WITH - EMMA BYRON

Emma is currently on a year out from college having finished her HND in Fashion Design. She will be starting her degree in Fine Art in September and in the meantime has been busy using her creative skills in design. Emma has been working for various exhibitions including the Ocular Picnics and most recently has been working with Inishowen Artists, organising their collective venture, which culminated in the launch of their brochure and exhibition in Buncrana.

The aim of Inishowen Artists is to have an ongoing series of events and exhibitions and for the group to develop and grow. Any artist living in Inishowen is welcome to join with all the benefits of being able to share ideas, as well as exhibition space, funding opportunities and marketing.

Emma has three children who are a continual source of inspiration for her. She is also inspired by the environment and works with different mediums including paint, pastels, clay, wood, metal and various other objects to create colourful, textural and at times informative work.

For more information go to the Inishowen artists website: http://www.inishowenartists.com/

What music do you like?
I love all kinds of music. I don’t really have a favourite type as such. At the minute my mp3 has stuff from Black Eyed Peas, Jack Johnson, Metallica, Nine Inch Nails, Muse, Kylie Minogue, Pussycat Dolls, Elvis, James Brown, Andre Bocelli and Maksim Mrvica. If it’s good and I can dance to it, I’ll listen to it.

What would you never throw away?
I try to throw away as little as possible, I can usually find a use for most things, but the things which I couldn’t be without are my family, friends, my art and music.

What book are you reading?
I don’t really read books, I tend to read magazines like the National Geographic and Artists and Illustrators and any interesting articles I come across on the net, usually things which would be inspirational to my work.

What was your favourite childhood game?
I loved anything to do with art and drawing and making things from what ever I could find, but when I wasn’t doing that I was building assault courses or huts in the back garden or cycling with my brothers and friends, always something active.

Have you been to the Cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
Last thing I saw at the cinema was “The Golden Compass” with my children. It was brilliant.

What is your idea of a good night out?
I’m not too fussy; as long as the company is good, I’m happy.

Biggest fear?
I think to be incapacitated, being unable to look after my family or myself or doing the things I love.

Biggest thrill?
Ah life itself is thrilling enough for me. There are lots of lovely things each day, which I get a thrill from, seeing or being part of.

Personal philosophy?
LOVE each other….LOVE life....they are each infinitely full of possibility….ENJOY....

What is your idea of a good night in?
A nice hot bath, the candles lit and some nice relaxing music…

Which period in history would you most have liked to have lived through?
Being trained in fashion I’d loved to have been a designer in the 1920’s, and a very wealthy one so I would get the chance to wear a few of the beautiful garments too.

World’s most useful inventions?
Clothes; I’d be freezing and jobless without them. The dishwasher too- it saves so much time and so many fights!

What’s my idea of a great meal?
I love most food, but my idea of a great meal is one that was lovingly prepared just for me. My eldest boy Josh made me scrambled eggs one morning and it was full of shells but I loved it because he made it especially for me.

How do you relax?
I put on some music and I sit and draw.

What job did I want to do as a child?
At first I wanted to be a nurse, but from I was about ten I wanted to be an artist and fashion designer.

Where do you like to go for your holidays?
Somewhere I can explore and have an adventure, I don’t like lying about a pool I’d rather be out taking photos and drawing, or rummaging through some little art gallery or curio shop somewhere.

Your idea of heaven?
Anywhere that has the people that I love.