Anna Maud's paintings on display

Anna Maud Gallagher – A Life in Nature - will feature a selection of mounted photographs of Anna’s favourite landscape scenes, originally created in watercolour and oil paint. The launch coincides with International Dawn Chorus Day and the exhibition will be preceded by a special Dawn Chorus Walk in memory of Anna, hosted by the RSPB in the grounds of St. Columb’s Park from 5.00 am.

Born into a farming background in Newtownstewart, Anna made her home at The Branch in Derry and taught for many years at Rosemount Girls and Saint Anne’s Primary School, where she imbued her pupils with a love of both art and nature. Anna started a bird-watching club at the school and enjoyed many trips to the Magilligan Field Centre, where she also worked after her retirement from teaching.

Revealing the motivation behind the event, Anna’s goddaughter Jane Hughes said: “While Anna spent most of her working life in Derry, she passed away two years ago in Co. Tyrone and so many local people didn’t get a chance to say goodbye. This exhibition and the Dawn Chorus Walk aim to honour the impact Anna had on many young lives through sharing her love of nature and art with the many children whom she taught.”

Speaking on behalf of the Gallagher family, Anna’s sister Moira said: “Anna’s love of nature was inspired by her daily trip to school in the company of our mother, brothers and sisters, through the Baronscourt Estate, a haven of wildlife and nature at its best.

“We are looking forward to sharing stories, memories and Anna’s artistic talents with her friends, former pupils, colleagues and art lovers from in and around the city with this very special exhibition.”

Anna Maud Gallagher – A Life in Nature - will be launched at St. Columb’s Park House, Limavady Road, at 2.30 pm on Sunday, May, 1st preceded by a Dawn Chorus Walk at 5.00 a.m.

If you would like to attend either or both of these events, please email [email protected]

The exhibition will continue at Central Library, Foyle Street, Derry from May 16th to 28th. Admission is free and open to all.