Unveiling Ulster Museum’s Stunning Historic Art Treasures This Christmas

The Ulster Museum in Belfast is celebrating the festive season by unveiling some remarkable new additions to its art collection, described as 'historic presents. ' Anne Stewart, the museum's senior curator, recently gave BBC News NI a behind-the-scenes look at these new arrivals, which are being prepared for a special exhibition. Instead of being wrapped in colorful paper, these valuable paintings are carefully unwrapped from specialist storage by the museum's conservation team, ensuring they are protected and preserved for future generations.

One of the most significant new pieces is an oil sketch by Sir John Lavery, a renowned artist with strong local connections. This particular sketch captures the view Lavery had from the gallery in the House of Lords in December 1921, during a crucial debate about the partition of Ireland. The debate and the vote that followed led to the creation of the Irish Free State and the establishment of the boundary commission. Lavery was closely involved in these historic events, as his London home and studio served as a neutral meeting place for negotiators from both sides. Many of these figures even sat for portraits by Lavery. Anne Stewart explained that Lavery was skilled at using oil sketches to capture important moments, and this new acquisition fills a gap in the museum's collection, as they previously did not have a political sketch from this period.

The Ulster Museum has a long history with Sir John Lavery. In the 1920s, while the museum was still being built, Lavery donated a significant selection of his works. When the museum opened as the Belfast Museum and Art Gallery in 1929, his paintings were given a place of honor. Anne Stewart described Lavery as the museum's 'national painter,' noting that he gifted 34 paintings in 1929. The latest Lavery painting, however, came to the museum in an unusual way: through the tax system. His Majesty's Revenue and Customs sometimes accepts artworks of great artistic and historical value instead of inheritance tax payments. These works are then allocated to public museums and galleries, allowing institutions like the Ulster Museum to acquire important pieces without the high costs of buying them at auction.

The new acquisitions also include works from the estate of Alan and Mary Hobart, who were well-known collectors of modern Irish art and founders of the Pyms gallery in London. Anne Stewart emphasized how valuable the tax arrangement is for museums, as it sometimes allows them to receive artworks for free or at a much lower cost. For example, the museum's Renoir painting, the first Impressionist work in Northern Ireland, was acquired through a combination of tax arrangements and fundraising. Without this support, the museum could never have afforded such a significant piece.

Government support has also played a key role in expanding the museum's collection. One of the highlights is a nocturnal nativity scene by Baldassarre Peruzzi, an Italian architect and painter. This is the only high renaissance artwork on display in Northern Ireland. The government placed a temporary export bar on the painting, giving the museum time to raise the necessary funds to purchase it. Contributions came from several organizations, including the Department for Communities NI and the Art Fund. Lord Parkinson, the Minister for Arts and Heritage at the time, called the acquisition a 'Christmas gift to the nation. '

The nativity painting is an exceptionally rare 16th-century work. It depicts a woman kneeling in prayer, a man standing beside her with a staff, and a cow and castle in the background. Before it was displayed at the Ulster Museum, the painting was carefully restored by specialists at the National Gallery in London. Scientific analysis revealed some of the painting's secrets, such as a layer of finely crushed Italian glass behind the paint, which adds to its unique quality. Anne Stewart pointed out that renaissance paintings are fascinating because they combine science, tradition, and innovative uses of light.

For Anne Stewart, the museum offers more than just a chance to see beautiful art. She encourages people to visit during the busy Christmas season to find a moment of peace and reflection. The galleries provide a calm and energizing environment, making each visit a unique experience. With these new 'historic presents,' the Ulster Museum hopes to inspire and delight visitors throughout the holidays.