Young Laois artist shines 

A TALENTED young artist from Portarlington recently launched an exhibition of ten paintings in Abbeyleix Library.

Laura Tully was inspired by her mother telling her how her grandparents met (but may not have!) back in the dancehall era of rural Ireland in the 1950s.

At the launch, the gifted artist spoke to the Laois Nationalist about her art and the inspirations for her first solo exhibition, which she titled 'Tell our story'.

Laura said: “A group of my friends were great at art in primary school and I was inspired by them. I took art for junior cert and leaving cert in Coláiste Íosagáin. I recently completed my Level 6 course in Abbeyleix FEC and I would urge anyone who wishes to endeavour a career in art to attend there. The tutors are all fantastic.

“My mother had told me that a friend of a friend had arranged for my grandparents to meet at a dancehall in Salthill, Galway in the 1950s. My grandmother showed up, but my grandfather didn’t! Granny got his address and wrote him a letter asking why he hadn’t turned up and asked if he wanted to meet at the next dance. He apologised and told her that he couldn’t make it to the first one because the cows were calving! This rural obstacle from a time without mobile phones inspired 'Tell our story'. They met at the next dance, fell in love and were later married in a small local church.

“So this exhibition was inspired by the noteworthy dancehall era in Ireland, which attracted those seeking entertainment and their soulmate. Private dancehalls received considerable backlash from the Catholic Church, which caused many protests, so much so that private dancehalls had to have a licence for dancing alone.

“Dancehalls were an opportunity for escapism, especially in 1950s rural Ireland, where problems such as mass unemployment and emigration were rife. In the 1960s, dancehalls transcended into larger halls that needed louder and more modern music. It is here where showbands began their reign on entertainment in Ireland. Unfortunately, some of the traditional Irish music that would have been played in smaller halls was lost to time.

“Recollections of this dancehall era exist, not only in music recordings that have survived the test of time but in vintage Morris Minor cars that transported these thrill-seekers to dances. Rusted sewing machines resting in antique shops would have stitched together the glamorous gowns that women made especially for those dances. Call it sentimentality, but certain objects are truly time capsules. Each has their story. I wanted to shine a light on their significance and I hope to have achieved that with this exhibition.” Laura wishes to thank the library staff for giving her the opportunity to show her works. She can be contacted directly by emailing artistlauratully@gmail.com.

The wonderful exhibition is on view in Abbeyleix Library until the end of October and is well worth a visit.

Further details are available from Abbeyleix Library by phoning 057 8730020.