The new exhibition at our gallery in the Bogside area of Derry has been a resounding success. Over three hundred people attended the opening of this show commemorating the fortieth anniversary of the Battle of The Bogside that is also the subject of our most famous mural. The address was given by John Hume who, despite failing health, was “happy and proud” to make the opening address. Also in attendance were Paddy Bogside and Ivan Cooper, two of the major figures from the sixties and prominent figures from the beginnings of the march for democracy to the present day. This march was inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King and a full account of that and what it meant to Bogsiders in general and indeed to the entire Free Democracy Movement can be found in our book The People’s Gallery. You can still get this book via our website, probably the only book you will find anywhere that tells you the exact truth about our murals and where they came from. Many other councillors and VIPs were also in attendance. Our thanks to them all.
This new exhibition has now been seen by many thousands of people from all over the world making of our recently opened gallery probably the most constantly visited of any city gallery in Ireland. If you are in Derry do not forget to call in. You will learn much about the history of the Troubles and the struggle for rights and freedom of speech and about the process of healing through art. You will hear and see much to instruct …. and indeed to astonish you. Our warmest thanks to all who attended and especially to our good friend John Hume one of the few truly significant political figures to understand the unique character of our murals and their historical importance.
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