Bank Street Gallery
There is no doubt that George Birrell’s paintings have personality. Characterising his work as stylised landscapes is just too clichéd, although factually accurate. Rather, the paintings themselves are the characters. Whether a rustic fortress with castellated towers or an innocent row of fishing boats, Birrell brings them alive giving them celebrity within their own frames. They suck you in and tease you with hints of back story. They are nostalgic, engaging, warming even the coldest heart.
It may be that this is because in every painting there is a little bit of Birrell. His inspiration comes from his own memories of places special to him. His artist’s eye ensures the detail of these places is used to emotional effect. The process becomes circular, binding the spirit of the painting, through the sentiment of the artist, to the resonance of the observer. It is a special feeling to be still in a Birrell exhibition. The feeling of wellbeing is tangible.
Birrell studied at Glasgow School of Art and devoted much of his employment to teaching, before breaking free to cut his cloth as a jobbing artist. He was a tutor at Motherwell College – the institution which, among other pursuits, facilitated art classes within the Scottish Prison Service. By happenchance, it was exhibitions of prisoners art that gave birth to Bank Street Gallery itself and so this exhibition is especially significant.
Bank Street Gallery is delighted to report that George Birrell will be with us in person on 24th October 2015 at 2.00pm to talk to us about his work and demonstrate his technique. You are all welcome.
george birrell’s one man show runs from saturday 3rd october to friday 13th november 2015. check out the gallery’s website for opening times.