Fashion critic pays a visit to McWilliam Gallery

The Paris-based commentator, who is originally from Lurgan, took time out from his busy schedule to share his fascinating insights into the world of high fashion – and over 100 fashion enthusiasts gathered at the gallery to hear what he had to say about the famed British designer.

A former Editor-in-Chief for ‘Vogue Hommes International’, Deeny has also worked for a number of international publications including ‘Women’s Wear Daily’ and the luxury magazine ‘W’. He is currently European editor for ‘Fashion Wire Daily’ and men’s fashion critic for the ‘Financial Times’.

Recognised worldwide as a leader in his field, Deeny covers the runway shows of London, New York, Paris and Milan and is regularly a front-row reviewer at fashion events in Beijing, Moscow, Rio de Janeiro, Rome and Sydney. He has met and interviewed many designers of note including Georgio Armani, Karl Lagerfield and Burberry’s Christopher Bailey.

Deeny was invited to Banbridge by the Friends of the F.E. McWilliam Gallery, which boasts over 100 members who have organised an impressive programme of events since their formation in March 2011.

Fionnuala Cook, who is Chairman of the F.E. McWilliam Gallery, and sister of Godfrey, was particularly pleased to welcome her brother back to Northern Ireland.

Curator, Dr Riann Coulter, commented, “We are delighted that renowned fashion critic Godfrey Deeny has taken time to visit our gallery and share his insights with us. The spheres of fashion and art are often closely related and, as the great turnout shows, there is a huge interest in fashion in Northern Ireland.”

This event ran in conjunction with the exhibition, ‘Home Grown’, a celebration of local artistic talent featuring the work of many established and emerging artists associated with Banbridge including Dougal McKenzie, Paddy Bloomer, Heather Fleming and Joanne Proctor. The exhibition, which closes on 11 February 2012, proved extremely popular with the public and was visited by many school and community groups.

The next exhibition to open at the gallery will be Rita’s Duffy’s ‘Arctic Circus’ which runs from 25 February to 28 April and features new work inspired by Duffy’s travels in Norway. A major retrospective exhibition of Basil Blackshaw’s work opens in May and promises to attract many visitors and art lovers to Banbridge.

For further information on upcoming exhibitions and events at the F.E McWilliam Gallery and Studio, visit the website at www.femcwilliam.com.

Details can also be found on the F.E McWilliam Gallery and Studio Facebook page. The gallery is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. Admission is free.

For more information on becoming a Friend of the Gallery please email: [email protected] or call 028 4062 3322.