Looking Forward, Looking Back
Tue. 20 Feb. – Sat. 22 Jun. 2024

Looking Forward, Looking Back presents an opportunity for visitors to explore new acquisitions, alongside some much loved favourites, from Sligo Municipal Art Collection.

The Niland Collection was founded by former Sligo County Librarian Nora Niland in 1960, and was carefully cultivated by Niland from then until her retirement in 1979. Niland’s vision was to establish a world standard art collection for County Sligo, anchored by the works of Jack Butler Yeats. Through networking, petitioning, fundraising and a driving passion for visual art, Niland laid the groundwork for the Sligo municipal collection which today bears her name.

The Model is delighted to have expanded The Niland Collection with many new works over recent years through purchases, donations and long-term loans. Looking Forward, Looking Back, inspired by the title of a Jack Butler Yeats painting, showcases works by artists including Mary Kelly, Michael Wann, Brian O’Doherty, Walter Osbourne, Charles Lamb and Jack Butler Yeats, all of which have joined the collection in recent years.

Image credits: Michael Wann (b. 1969); Flight into Egypt, Amazon Burning, 2021, charcoal on paper.