Snapshots of Celbridge – Miniatures – Conolly’s Folly

‘Snapshots of Celbridge’ is part of the Snapshots series which was shown for the first time at Art Source 2019 in the RDS in Dublin. The idea for the Snapshots series has developed from my interest in the built environment and the rich tapestry of history which is embedded within each and every building, street and city.

I paint using clean lines and strong colours. These bold blocks of colour suit the subject of largely urban environments, taking ‘snapshots’ of views which are the familiar evocative pieces that make up the jigsaw of the world we inhabit.

The Snapshots of Celbridge exhibition is a social media-based exhibition involving photographic contributions from the community under the hashtag #snapshotsofcelbridge. The main ‘Snapshots of Celbridge’ piece was originally planned to consist of 36 panels (painted depictions of contributed photos) but due to the number and quality of the submitted photographs, it has been increased to a 49-panel piece – my largest ‘Snapshots’ yet!

As each panel is finished it is revealed on Instagram and then made available on my website as a print. The photo of Conolly’s Folly used for this painting was taken by @irelandsancienteast .

Conolly’s Folly, built in 1742, is a 140-foot high structure of several arches with a large pillar on top. The folly was funded by Katherine Conolly of Castletown House with the aim of providing much-needed employment for the people of Celbridge after the famine of 1740/1.

The ‘Snapshots of Celbridge’ exhibition is part-funded by Kildare County Council.