24
Sculpture also has its part to play in the overall oeuvre of women artists in Ireland.
Sculptors Gerda Frömel, Imogen Stuart and Hilary Heron here demonstrate their
skills working with a variety of figurative and abstract subjects in materials including
bronze, steel and marble, and as artists were comfortable working on large scale public
commissions as well as the smaller, sensitive works seen in this exhibition.
The Philosopher
by Sophia Rosamond Praeger (b. Holywood, Co. Down in 1867) was exhibited for the
first time in plaster at the Liverpool Autumn Exhibitions in 1912 and became extremely
popular when cast in bronze, liberating Praeger from having to work for money
8
. As
well as writing and illustrating children’s books, she modelled in clay and plaster, carved
in stone and marble and cast in bronze. Praeger also played an important role in the
establishment of the Ulster Academy of Arts (now the RUA) in 1930, and was one of 13
founding members elected that year, 4 of whom were women. Fellow founding members
Georgina Moutray Kyle and Mildred Anne Butler can also be seen in this exhibition,
demonstrating the integral nature of these female artists to Irish art as a whole. Born
in Craigavad, Co. Down, Georgina Moutray Kyle (1865-1950) began contributing to
the Ulster Academy shows in 1894 and went on to be one of its most active members,
exhibiting frequently until 1928 and holding various offices including the vice-presidency.
She was perhaps the first local artist to exhibit Breton landscape scenes in Belfast
9
, and
her art was enriched by her experiences in France and Holland. Her oeuvre comprised
portraits, still life, landscapes, harbour views and market scenes, characterised by a soft
tonal range, heavy outline and a strong emphasis on shapes.
Fig. 5. Hilary Heron with her walnut piece
“PillowTalk” (1953)
8
Gaynor, G., An Ulster Sculptor: Sophia Rosamond Praeger, p.34-43. In: Irish Arts Review Yearbook Vol.16 (2000)
9
Black, E., A Distinctive Palette - The Art of Georgina Moutray Kyle exhibition catalogue, Naughton Gallery Queens (2004)
Cont. p28
