Art at Burtown: The Gallery, Sculpture walks and Painting in an artists' garden

Burtown is lucky to have a legacy of artists past and present who have all contributed to the surroundings from the gardens to the interiors and paintings that are displayed throughout the buildings.

The Gallery

Lydia Shackleton the 19th century acclaimed botanical painter was a cousin, Wendy Walsh Irelands formost 20th century botanical painter and mother to Lesley lived in the stable yard house, Lesley herself an accomplished portrait and still live painter and Lesleys’s son James a professional photographer who has photographed 26 books to date. The Gallery at The Green Barn displays mostly Irish themed works as well as interesting furniture and interior pieces.

Sculpture in the Garden

Throughout the parkland and gardens of Burtown there are large sculptures from Eileen MacDonagh, Catherine Green, Shane Jackson and a host of Zimbawean artists. From huge stone sculptures to smaller more intermit pieces hidden around the corners. Sculpture and art shows are hosted throughout the seasons.

Shona Sculpture

Burtown House continues its connection with Zimbabwe and has a collection of shona stone sculpture avialable to buy. Hosted by our cousins in New Zealand Louise and Bruce Stobart our ‘Birdwoods at Burtown’ exhibition connects New Zealand, Zimbabwe and Ireland – through family association, a multigenerational inheritance of creativity, and a shared entrepreneurial spirit.

Painting in the Gardens at Burtown

We also hope to encourage all artists, of whatever standard, to set up easels in the garden and be inspired! Just come along and paint for the day. We will also be running workshops and painting days, so please enquire if you are interested in hearing about these.

Come individually, or in a group, with or without a tutor. Lesley can also be contacted to give lessons or workshops. She is an experienced and sympathetic teacher, who has taught both beginners and the more experienced, throughout Ireland and abroad. She is often to be found with an easel set up somewhere in the garden, doing her own painting.