16th September 2025
On Saturday afternoon we were honoured to host the launch of Harry McMahon’s exhibition On Growing Old. It was a moving and joyful event that brought together friends, family, art lovers, and supporters of a very special cause.
Harry, a retired Professor of Education from Ulster University, has generously chosen to donate the proceeds from sales of his work to Marie Curie, in memory of his late wife, Anne. The launch was made all the more meaningful by the presence of a member of the Marie Curie team, who spoke with deep passion about the invaluable work they do. Their words reminded us of the extraordinary impact Marie Curie has on families across our community and offered a touching tribute to Harry and Anne’s journey together.
The exhibition itself charts Harry’s artistic development across more than five decades, beginning with his earliest Tentative Steps as an untutored beginner in the late 1960s, through watercolours and oils, to bold explorations of science, mathematics, and abstraction. Each of the seven groups of paintings tells its own story, offering a fascinating insight into the stages of a creative life still unfolding.
We are delighted to share that there have already been many sales, raising vital funds for Marie Curie. Yet there are still some beautiful works available, giving visitors the rare opportunity to both own a piece of Harry’s extraordinary artistic journey and support a cause that makes a real difference.
As part of the exhibition, Harry will also be hosting a series of Walk & Talks, where visitors can join him for an informal guided tour of his work:
- Thursday 2 October | 7–8pm
- Saturday 11 October | 11am–12pm
This is a fantastic opportunity to hear directly from the artist about his inspirations, process, and the stories behind the paintings. No Booking Necessary
On Growing Old continues until 25 October in our galleries. We warmly invite you to visit, experience Harry’s powerful work for yourself, and, if you wish, support Marie Curie through the purchase of an artwork.
Thank you to everyone who joined us on Saturday and to all who have shown such generosity — your kindness helps carry forward Anne’s memory and supports Marie Curie’s essential work.
