The Model Reopens with Salt Water Ballads
The Model reopened to the public on Thursday 3 June with a very special exhibition by Jack Butler Yeats. Salt Water Ballads presents a veritable treasure trove of sea-themed works by Yeats. It includes 21 watercolour paintings never previously seen in public; the artist’s own collection of handmade model boats; first edition books and magazines by artist; and the tiny cardboard figure of ‘Theodore, the Pirate’ discovered stowed away in the hull of one of the boats. This show promises to be a visually stunning and immersive experience, and is sure to be a major cultural event of 2021.
Speaking ahead of the reopening, Director of The Model, Emer McGarry said; “We are proud to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Jack Butler Yeats in his home town of Sligo, with a very special exhibition entitled Salt Water Ballads. The exhibition will showcase, for the very first time, a suite of 21 newly conserved, sea-themed watercolours, as well as Yeats’ own collection of model boats. These pieces were generously gifted to The Model in 2018 by a private donor, and were conserved thanks to support from the Heritage Council in 2020.”
Also over summer 2021, The Model presents an exhibition of Jack Butler Yeats’ best works from one of the most exciting holdings of his work in existence. Sligo’s Municipal Collection, named after the visionary Nora Niland, includes some of the finest work by Yeats across every phase of his long creative practice. Early illustrations in pen & ink illustrations, sit alongside works from his watercolour period; allowing the viewer to trace a line to the artist’s late, great masterworks in oil.
Check out the Make and Create activities at The Model, this week is make your own model ship. Click the button below for the instructions.