Maurice Joseph MacGonigal, Irish, 1900-1979
Title: The Dropping Well Public House, Dartry Road and Old (now rebuilt Classon's) Bridge, Dublin
Date: c.1920
Medium: Watercolour on paper
Dimensions:
53 x 48 cm
Signed: lower right: MAURICE McGONIGAL
Credit Line: Purchased, 1982
Object Number: NGI.18487
DescriptionDublin born Maurice MacGonigal worked in the stained glass studio of his uncle Joshua Clarke from the age of fifteen. He first exhibited at the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA) in 1924, and exhibited there annually for the next fifty-four years. In 1947 he became Professor of Painting at the RHA and in 1962 was elected President. This watercolour depicts a still popular public house on the River Dodder. MacGonigal exploits the scenic potential of the area, which for centuries had been a favourite sketching ground for Irish artists. The drawing is well structured, reflecting the artist's academic training at the Dublin Metropolitan School of Art, and displays his keen interest and early training in design.