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122 Arthur Armstrong RHA (1924 - 1996)
King of Connemara
Aquatint, 29 x 20.5cm (Plate), Signed
Inscribed with title and numbered 43/45
123 Arthur Armstrong RHA (1924 - 1996)
Figures in a Landscape
Etching, 16.5 x 12cm (Plate), Signed
Inscribed with title and numbered 9/10
In the same year Armstrong and Campbell collaborated on a set of eight reproduction prints
that were published by Paddy Walsh in his studio at Casino Road, Marino. Teaching part-
time at the National College of Art, Armstrong also attended the Graphic Studio, to pursue
his interest in printmaking completing a series of etchings depicting figures standing in
Connemara landscapes.
From the late 1960s, Campbell's routine of travelling to Spain in the autumn and returning
to Dublin in the spring continued against a backdrop of important events: the abolishment
of tax for artists, writers and composers by Minister for Finance, Charles J. Haughey; the
formation of the Irish Women’s Liberation Movement; the oil crisis; the lifting of censorship
on literature and film; the country’s entry into the European Common Market; and the
Troubles in Northern Ireland. The tax changes would have benefited Campbell as he was
achieving continued success from his picture sales at the Hendriks gallery. The onset of the
Troubles, however, was a daily reminder that his mother and brother were living in conflict,
which caused him unease and worry.
fig.208: Paddy Walsh
fig.209: George painting ‘Orchestra’,
for Esso calendar, 1972