'This is a fantastic opportunity for Cork': Fiona Shaw visits Crawford Gallery ahead of redevelopment 

Internationally renowned actor Fiona Shaw has said that the redevelopment of Crawford Art Gallery is a “fantastic opportunity” for Cork to expand itself.

The Cobh native, who now lives in London, described the gallery’s redevelopment as a “great symbol of the strength” for the city while on a visit to the amenity before it’s expected closure later this month.

Ms Shaw holds strong ties to her Leeside roots, having graduated from University College Cork before moving on to attend the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London.

The actor has embarked on a career laden with critically acclaimed roles in theatre, film and TV, with her most notable appearances including parts in Harry Potter, My Left Foot and the BBC series, Killing Eve, for which she received a 2019 BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress.

Speaking on the ambitious multi-million euro redevelopment project at Crawford Art Gallery, Ms Shaw said: “The country is transforming.

“I feel we’re the only country in Europe with a surplus, that we could actually even dare to be thinking about improving our art galleries to such a scale.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Cork.” 

The actor further said that she has fond memories of the gallery from her childhood growing up in Cork city.

An oil painting portrait of Ms Shaw, by UK artist Victoria Russell, is amongst Crawford Art Gallery’s most-loved collection works and was purchased by the gallery shortly after its completion in 2002.

During her recent visit, Ms Shaw met with gallery director Mary McCarthy and curator Dr Michael Waldron to take a tour of the currently running exhibition, Now You See It.

Ms Shaw noted that Daunt by Dorothy Cross was a favourite artwork of hers in the exhibition, which will run until September 15.

The gallery will then temporarily close to the public to facilitate works on September 22, which will see the gallery increase its space by 50%.

The project will also add a new fifth-storey public gallery with a birds-eye view over Cork city, and will conserve 300 years of built heritage for generations to come.   The gallery expects to reopen to the public in mid-2027.

A full programme of Culture Night events will also take place at Crawford Art Gallery on September 20 before its closure.

See www.crawfordartgallery.ie.