Jim Manley launches arts exhibition – just days before his 90th birthday

Jim Manley launches arts exhibition – just days before his 90th birthday

10 January 2024

THIS week’s launch of the latest exhibition from one of Co Down’s most widely-acclaimed artists coincides with a personal milestone.

Killough-based Jim Manley’s ‘Landmarks’ exhibition will open at Down Arts Centre tomorrow evening – just a matter of days before he celebrates his 90th birthday.

The solo show, his first for almost two years, brings together a collection of works from the last two decades.

The majority of the paintings and drawings feature the Lecale land and seascape. However, a number take their inspiration from locations further afield.

Many also reflect the long-time environmental campaigner’s passion for the natural world and man’s adverse impact on it.

A former vice-principal at Ardmore House School in Downpatrick, Jim moved to the county town from England in 1971. He has lived in Killough since retiring from teaching in the late 1980s.

Jim said he was thrilled to be putting his work on show to coincide with what he termed a “personal milestone”.

He continued: “I don’t get many opportunities to show my work these days and I’m especially happy to get the opportunity to exhibit again at Down Arts Centre, a great venue in a town that is particularly close to my heart.” 

Denise Griffith, arts officer at Down Arts Centre, said it was an honour to welcome back one of the district’s most celebrated artists.

“Jim Manley is not only one of Co Down’s foremost painters, he has been a strong advocate of the arts in the district for decades, offering encouragement and advice to a new generation of artists,” she said.

“We are delighted to welcome him back to Down Arts Centre as he prepares to celebrate his 90th birthday – may he have many more happy returns.”

Journalist Kevin Magee, who will officially open the Landmarks exhibition, said he had known the artist for 50 years and was “huge admirer” of his work.

“I’ve known Jim a long time and have always regarded him a gifted and accomplished artist,” he remarked.

“His work is provocative, celebratory, bold and tender in equal measure, giving us a unique insight into this corner of Co Down where he made his home.”