λ Markey Robinson (Irish 1917-1999) Shawlies in the village Oil on board 15 x 30cm (5¾ x 11¾ in.) Provenance: Angus MacDonald, Holywood, County Down, Northern Ireland Purchased from the above by the present owner Shawled women, or Shawlies were a common theme for Robinson and one which he revisited throughout his career. As was typical of the artist, very few facial features are visible in the women painted here. The overall effect and purpose of these works was not one of personal identification, but instead an embodiment of what the Shawlies represent: a yearning for peace and serenity. Growing up in Belfast during the Second World War, these works were a commentary on escapism; looking to the more simple life of the Irish countryside. Markey Robinson (1917-1999) Markey Robinson was born in 1918 in Belfast. Despite his natural talent for the arts being recognised at a young age, Robinson was encouraged to become a welder. Whilst he would spend any spare cash he could on art materials Robinson was also a talented featherweight boxer. This earned himself the nickname Boyo Marko and he became quite well known for his sport in Northern Ireland. At the outbreak of the Second World War Markey joined the Casualty Service of the Civil Defence. He continued to paint during this period and exhibited two works recording affects of the Blitz at the Civil Defence Art Exhibition in 1943. These works were chosen to represent Ulster at an exhibition in London, which illustrates the artists natural talent and early success. Known as a man of mystery who would disappear for long periods of time, he nonetheless became a part of the Ulster artistic community during the 1930s and 40s. Markey made his money as a merchant seaman, most likely the answer for his long periods away from Belfast. He was well travelled spending time in Africa, South American, Europe and Asia. In the 1940s Markey exhibited at the Irish Living Art Exhibition in Dublin which became an important platform for contemporary artists including Jack B. Yeats, Mainie Jellet and Louis le Brocquy. It is likely that Robinson was acquainted with Gerard Dillon and Colin Middleton through these yearly exhibitions. There are two works by Markey Robinson in this private collection of Irish works. What is apparent in both the works in the spontaneity of line and use of bold and definitive strokes. This deliberate black line which can be found in many of Robinson's compositions is likely to be a direct influence from Matisse someone Robinson was greatly inspired by. Condition Report: There is some scattered surface dirt and craquelure, otherwise in good condition. No evidence of retouching visible under ultraviolet light. Condition Report Disclaimer