Ken moves from art to literature
Tomorrow marks the end of an era as Shipquay Street art gallery owner Ken McGilloway retires after 26 years in the business. He spoke to THERESA CASEY about his memories and his plans.
Ken opened his first business during the height of the Troubles and has been a fixture in the city centre ever since.
"Originally it was McGilloway's Fabrics and Soft Furnishings in Butcher Street. It was 1973 and at the time people told me I was crazy opening the business, but we survived the Troubles."
The shop relocated to Bishop Street in the early 1980's following an arson attack which burned down Ken's shop and three other local businesses next to it.
"That was very difficult at the time, but it's long forgotten about now."
The Waterside man says that although he wasn't academically minded at school, he was always interested in art and he decided to offer original artwork to his customers.
It was during a major fundraising drive for the Foyle Hospice that Ken organised an art exhibition showcasing work from a large number of local artists. After this he decided he wanted to open a gallery of his own.
When the shop relocated for a second time to larger premises in the Diamond, Ken jumped at the opportunity to move there because it was an ideal space for an art gallery.
"When I was younger my memories of art galleries wasn't always pleasant. I found them sterile, cold and austere places. I wanted to make my gallery accessible and welcoming. I wanted to make my gallery where people could come and browse and not feel under pressure."
Although Ken was a keen artist himself for a while, once he started bringing works from some of the country's best artists he decided to hang up his brushes for good.
"I realised that my strength was in selling art rather than creating it and my last effort is hanging at home in a secluded place. I have absolutely no plans to take up painting again in retirement."
in 1992, the McGilloway Gallery moved to its current home on Shipquay Street. Ken phased out all the fabrics and soft furnishings and held his first exhibition entitled "Sea-Land-Sky."
"Attitudes were changing towards art and people were becoming more conscious of original work and wanting to own pieces while they were still comparatively reasonable."
Since then he has exhibited and sold work by some of the best local and national artists, and admits that it will be difficult to leave the gallery.
"I have reached an age when I am long past retiring and I feel it is time to move on and do other things. This has been a beautiful business to be in thanks to the people, the customers and the artists. Without their support it could never have survived.
"In the last 25 years there is not a day I haven't enjoyed coming to work. I chose a job I love and it feels like I haven't worked a day since."
Dr Siegerson
Ken will be keeping busy in retirement and is in the process of writing a biography, with plans for another book in the pipeline.
"I have finished a biography of Dr George Siegerson, who is probably best known for the Segerson Cup in GAA. In his day he was also a brilliant doctor and one of the most important literary figures in Ireland. I am really excited about that."
He also hopes to write a book with local artist Bridget Murray about Derry.
The gallery will not close on Saturday and Ken's name will continue to be above the door.
"I am very pleased that I have found a terrific person to take the gallery over, who will carry it towards the year of culture in 2013. Clare Cooper, who is the daughter of local artist Pat Cowley, will be taking it over and she has a strong commitment to art."
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Weather for Derry
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 14 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
