Wendy Talks Back from McWilliam’s Gallery

The FE McWilliam Gallery and Studio became the location for a recent edition of BBC Radio Ulster’s Talkback programme when the popular current affairs show came to town on Tuesday, May 13, 2014.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd May 2014, 15:37 BST
BBC Radio Presenter Wendy Austin pictured with Co-Curators Claire Dalton and Deirdre at the recording of Talkback in the FE McWilliam Gallery & Studio © Edward Byrne Photography INBL1420-204EBBBC Radio Presenter Wendy Austin pictured with Co-Curators Claire Dalton and Deirdre at the recording of Talkback in the FE McWilliam Gallery & Studio © Edward Byrne Photography INBL1420-204EB
BBC Radio Presenter Wendy Austin pictured with Co-Curators Claire Dalton and Deirdre at the recording of Talkback in the FE McWilliam Gallery & Studio © Edward Byrne Photography INBL1420-204EB

Wendy Austin and her team turned the Quails at the Gallery café into a vibrant live broadcast studio featuring lively discussion with a number of invited guests.

On her show was the Finance Minister Mark Durcan and a number of current council Chief Executives and Chief Executives of the new ‘super’ councils which will come into effect from April 1, 2015.

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The debate focused on the forthcoming elections and the introduction of the new amalgamated councils and provided listeners with a valuable insight on how local government reform will play a central role in shaping the future of Northern Ireland.

Wendy also interviewed Curator Deirdre Quail about the F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Studio, the Gallery’s collection and exhibitions.

The next exhibition opens on Saturday, May 31.‘The Past is Unpredictable’ features the work of Emma Donaldson, Ursula Burke and Deirdre McKenna and the sculpture garden will host an exhibition of carvings by Helen Hanse entitled ‘Sleepers - The Hidden Within’. Both exhibitions run throughout the summer months and have an associated programme of events and workshops.

Wendy Austin is a frequent visitor to the F.E. McWilliam Gallery which she has described as, ‘an absolute gem.’

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She recently entertained a large group of Friends of the Gallery to an illuminating talk about her life and work.

Opened in September 2008, the gallery celebrates the work of the sculptor, Frederick Edward McWilliam, who was born in Newry Street, Banbridge on April 30, 1909. The FE McWilliam Gallery and Studio attracted over 43,000 visitors during its first year.

For more details on the Gallery and Studio programme ring them on 028 4062 3322, email [email protected], or visit the website at www.femcwilliam.com or go to the facebook page at www.facebook.com/femcwilliamgallery.