Laois artist's Teapot Studio a hub for art, music – and tae
Billy strums out a few cords on his guitar in his studio
KILCOTTON near Borris-in-Ossory is home to artist, art tutor and musician Billy Dollard and the townland is also where his amazing gem of an art gallery named The Teapot Studio and Gallery is situated.
Upon entering Billy’s spacious gallery, which he built himself beside his home, you are stunned by a super selection of beautifully framed and ready-to-go paintings hanging all over the walls, where there is something to suit every art lover.
Visitors are also met by paintings at different stages of completion on several easels. Inside, there are quirky ornaments â each with their own story, books on art and inspirational artists, Billy’s guitar, chairs to relax on, a kettle for the tea and, most of all, a warm welcome from the man himself.
Recently, Billy invited the to his cosy man cave in the quiet and peaceful countryside to talk about his art and his journey as an artist and tutor.
Taking up his story while sitting at the table in his snug atelier, Billy said: “When I finished school, I did an apprenticeship as a welder fabricator with local firm Modern Iron Works where I spent ten years. I changed paths for personal health reasons, then started up my own cleaning business after training with a company in Northern Ireland.
“I was still dabbling with painting in my attic, but ran out of space, so I built my own studio in the garden, which was completely overgrown. It took me three years to complete the studio, which I cladded with timber, insulated and also put in a little stove to keep it warm.
“I always painted with oils and I worked my way into watercolours and acrylics while sketching and drawing along the way. I love painting and art history and I studied the old masters in every art book I could find, from the renaissance to impressionism and all the different genres. Wherever I would travel over the years, I would always visit all of the major art galleries to see the famous paintings.
“I eventually got into teaching painting through the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB). Through the LOETB, I would get involved with community groups, from beginners to advanced artists. The groups include active retirement groups, men’s sheds and groups of people who have arrived in Ireland through inward migration. I have met some lovely people who are full of wonderful stories and I love listening to them, even though some are sad.
“I am grateful to the LOETB who have been good to me. I also work with my art through private groups and I am considering running some classes from The Teapot Studio and Gallery again in the future. I am available to do start-up art classes with groups in Laois or in surrounding counties as fun and social events.
“The studio also doubles as a music hub. For most of my life, I have been involved with many of my friends playing the guitar and drums. My family always had a hand in music. Lots of people call in to the studio, so if we’re not talking about art it ends up in a great session.
“People are always welcome to call to view my art or to sing a song. I would encourage everyone to get some kind of hobby, be it art or something else, and to get involved in a local group because it is a great social outlet, very good for the mind and very relaxing.” Billy said that he is amazed by the wonderful colours in his garden, where he takes great pleasure from the flowers, the colours and changes of the trees throughout the year, the amazing winter skies with its many hues.
In conclusion, Billy quoted Shakespeare as a message to people. He said: “If music be the fool of love – play on.” He said that includes art, too.
The talented artist is hoping to hold an exhibition later this year and people are welcome to visit him at his studio anytime, he said.
Billy Dollard can be found on Facebook and Instagram and he can be emailed at theteapotstudio@gmail.com or by phoning 087 2394570.
