Harry Aaron Kernoff, English, 1900-1974
Title: Miss Joan Wall (1920 -2011)
Date: 1941
Medium: Pastel on paper
Signed: lower left: KERNOFF. 17.9- '41
Credit Line: Presented, 2012
Object Number: NGI.2012.18
DescriptionThis vibrant pastel drawing is a typical example of Kernoff's portraiture, being a strong, dramatic likeness, somewhat stylised, which focuses on the sitter's face. Although earlier in date, it is similar in terms of quality and style to the portrait of Brendan Behan in the collection (NGI.3781). This portrait depicts Joan Wall, a young Dublin actress who grew up in Gardiner Place near Mountjoy Square. As a child she danced in shows at the Gaiety and Olympia theatres and later studied acting at the Abbey School. In 1947 she married Dublin solicitor Louis Nolan who was one of the founding members of the Writers, Actors, Artists and Musicians Association which was the forerunner of Irish Actors Equity. Her brother Eugene Wall set up a small theatre 'The Garrick' in Parnell Square which closed in 1959. Following her marriage, her involvement in acting lessened although she did appear in a Dublin production of Mary Chase's popular play 'Harvey' around 1952. In 1961 Joan Wall moved to London with her family.
Inscriptionlower right: MISS JOAN WALL