Christchurch Folk Music Club

Showing an artistic talent few expected, commercial painter Nicky McMullan created this widely admired painted scene on canvas in late 1961 from his imagination. The castle does not exist but the skilful composition evokes mystique. It consists of four canvas panels stitched together and measures 6.5 metres wide by 3.2 metres in height. Notes from the author’s interview with Nicky’s daughter Maureen Bonham, dated 31.12.2021, state that Nicky ‘developed artistic painting skills from his uncle, but was never formally trained.’ The notes further state that smaller, framed paintings were donated to Nazareth House. The backdrop was a feature at 363 St Asaph Street until the Hall’s sale in 1987, then hung at 29 Domain Terrace for the visit of the Irish President Mrs Robinson before being rolled up and stored in the upstairs committee room. From 2019 it has graced the hall again. It is beautifully illuminated now by four white flood lights and serves as a worthy backdrop for the stage.