VIRTU A love of or taste for works of art or curios;
a knowledge of or interest in the fine arts as a subject or interest

Search

Virtu

Virtu Home Page

Virtu Services

Email Virtu

Virtu-Art Books

Navigation

Art Brushes - A Virtu Guide

Art Movements

Movement Outline

How to Write an Artists Statement

How to Stretch a Canvas

How to be a Responsible Collector

How to Critique a Painting

e-commerce and the internet

Preparing for an Exhibition

How to Photograph Your Own Artwork

How to Price Your Art

Studio Visits + Gallery Interviews

Guide to Approaching Galleries

Oscar Wilde - Lecture to Art Students

Glossary of Art Terms

Links + Resources

SW Cork Artists, Crafters, Galleries + Studios

Art Guilds, Councils, Collectives etc

Irish Art Related Links

Art + Craft Education Resources

Government Links

Art Magazines + Ezines

Artists Supplies Links

Fruitcakes and Furrycollars - Victorian Gothic Art Exhibition

Fruitcakes and Furrycollars a Victorian Gothic Exhibition of contemporary art and performance in the very unique setting, of Bridge House, Skibbereen. (Bridge House previously voted Ireland's Most Unusual Guest House). This very exclusive adult exhibition opened on Thursday evening the 12th February. The exhibition ran for three days and was by prior booking only. This allowed those attending to view the exhibition with a guide, and to experience Tea and Cakes with Mammy and Mona.

Curated by Sandra Minchin seen here on the right. Talking to Tizzy local resident and friend to Mona Best the host of this event.

Virtu - Art was invited to attend the opening and arrived in good time. We were greeted warmly by Mammy who showed us in and announced us to the assembled present. There was a warm atmosphere and some very interesting characters.

I first talked to Fabular Du Beau Marchee on enquiring what her interest was in the exhibition I was informed that "I'm an installation". On further chatting I was informed that Fabular and her friend Kitty would be the ones auctioning off Donated Artwork at the West Cork Art Centre on the Friday. All exhibitors at the Fruitcakes and Furrycollars open evening, donated a piece of work to go to the auction at WCAC. The proceeds going towards the new building fund.

On checking out the house it was apparent that there was a lot to see. Two downstairs rooms and three bedrooms and bathroom on the upper floor were taken over by the exhibition. It was an interesting journey through the rooms and too much attention to detail to make note of here. One room upstairs was devoted to The King Elvis and you could soak up the atmosphere or pray at the alter to The King Himself.

The Blue bedroom had become the Brides room. Along with the bridle gown there were other intimate items and notes from the bride to be. Who it seemed had just stepped out.

In the bathroom we found this image floating in the bath, the ghost like image had an alluring quality.

At about 20.00 Sandra Minchin gathered us all together and officially welcomed us all the this exhibition. Sandra explained that herself and Chris Hurley work in what could be considered "Quite unconventional manners compared to a lot of the artwork that appears in galleries." Working with installation work, performance and video Chris Hurley is the manager at the Cork Film Centre.

The Cork Film Centre were the sponsors of this event and when they first heard that the venue was going to be Bridge House in Skibbereen they visited. As soon as they walked in the door Chris and Sandra found themselves in a space where they were blown away. The location was absolutely fabulous and Mona as a host was found to be most welcoming and generous. After mulling over a few details it was decided that a bit of unconventional artwork would be a good idea. It had taken about a year to get the exhibition together.

Mona was thanked for allowing the exhibition to take place in her home. Mona commented that it was "a pleasure". Sandra especially mentioned local artist Paul Cialis an exhibitor at this event. Paul according to Sandra is one of the hottest prospects for success. Paul had worked hard for this exhibition on the installations etc and was thanked for his tireless contribution.

The exhibition was (for the few that could gain access) extreemley interesting, entertaining, enriching and an experience not to be missed. Oh you did miss it ..... Sorry, that would be my only negative comment to this exhibition. After all the hard work of all involved to create this special event. It was here to day and gone tomorrow. I am glad to bring you these few words and images so that it may live on in a few minds.

In addition to these comments I invited the WCAC to make a few comments about the Auction that Fabula and Kitty were involved in for the WCAC building fund. Did not want much just a comment to two, however they declined to reply to my email, therefore missing an opportunity to reach a wider audience through Virtu - Art.

Both home and international artists were exhibited some for the first time. All of the artwork for sale at the exhibition at Bridge House was commission free.

Artists lineup: Peg Amison, Amanda Coogan, Aideen Barry, Simon Bennett, Paul Cialis, Iain Cole, Linda Conroy, Amanda Coogan, Lorraine Cooke, Bernadette Cotter, Vicoria Dempsay, Dominic Fee, Grainne Galvin, Maurice Galway, Mags Geaney, Chris Hurley, Sarah Iremonger, Marianne Keating, Max La Cain, Paul La Rocque, Breda Lynch, Maleonn, Sandra Minchin, Ciara Morre, Dan Murphy, Amelia Norman, Frances O'Connor, Harold Offeh, Jill Ronayne, Christina Todesco Kelly.

Tours for this Victorian Gothic exhibition were only available by booking, and places were very limited, adults only.

Back to Top