Paul Bradley catches up with Mary Friel, a talented artist, who recently retired from the Glebe Gallery outside Letterkenny where she worked as a guide. Her one regret is that she didn’t start working there earlier.
Hi Mary, thanks for doing the interview. Could you tell us a little about yourself, please?
I grew up on a dairy farm in Letterkenny. I was the oldest of eight girls and one boy. Along with our parents, we were all involved in the daily workings of the farm. We had our chores to do so that the milk would be delivered twice daily. The mornings were especially busy as the milk had to be delivered before we went to school.
After I left school, I got a job in the civil service, in the Revenue Solicitors in Dublin Castle. I remained there for over three years before being transferred to the Income Tax Office in Letterkenny. In hindsight it was here that I got my first inkling that art could be fun, when I did posters every year to let all the offices in Government buildings know of the upcoming Christmas party. So I enrolled in my first art class in the Regional College (now the ATU). I didn’t have a clue because then Art was mostly considered a pastime for children. I must admit I did a lot of art classes before I got the confidence to paint on my own. The felt work was something that I took to straight away and loved from the outset.
Have you done much travelling?
I love to travel. My first flight ever was to London on May 17, 1974, the day of the Dublin bombings. My next trip was to Majorca with three flatmates – I remember thinking at that time that it was very far away.
The following year, accompanied by the same three flatmates, we went to Rhodes in Greece, but in 1977 one of those flatmates and I hitchhiked around Europe. I could write a book about this trip alone. It was wonderful, adventurous, amazing, and at times scary. It is one trip that I would not recommend my children do because I know I wouldn’t sleep a wink until they returned.
The following year we went to Portugal, but the year before I got married, I went to South Africa, Florida and the Bahamas all in one year. I must have known I wasn’t going to get away anywhere for a long time.
We had five children and I enjoyed being at home while they were growing up. In the evenings, I did all kinds of classes and often came together with friends to do patchwork, drama and fundraising events.
It wasn’t long after my youngest started school that I started working again. I worked in a playschool and later as a special needs assistant before joining the team in Muck’ n’ Muffins pottery shop. Shortly after I joined a collective in Derry craft village called No. 19 selling my felt landscape pictures and hand painted cards. During that time I started giving a lot of workshops and classes in felting.
Where did you pick up your skills?
Each of the jobs I mentioned, paired with the amazing people that I had the good fortune to meet along the way, provided me with the skills and gave me the inspiration and confidence to get to where I am today.
You worked as a guide until recently in the Glebe Gallery – how was that?
It was the job in the Glebe that challenged me the most, but even with that it was the most fun job and it was a lovely way to end my working career. My one regret about the job is that I didn’t apply for it years earlier. Adrian and Jean had me doing things I never dreamed of such as making videos for YouTube, reading books on book week to kids from different schools and dressing up at Halloween for the kids coming.
Was it the art that interested you initially, or was it the chance to interact with so many people?
When I learned that I’d got the job the nerves set in and I wondered if I would ever be able to learn all the new information not to mention if I would be able to stand in front of a crowd and talk. But it wasn’t long before I enjoyed doing tours.
It was a pleasure to share with the visitors as much information about the house and Derek Hill in an hour. Being surrounded by such beautiful art made it easy to remain enthusiastic on these tours. It is the aim of the Glebe house guide to give a tour that the visitors will enjoy and remember favourably with any previous tour or any tour that they might do in the future.
Did you have any memorable questions or guests? Any highlights or strange questions?
Honestly it is so hard for me to pick just one; however one that comes to mind was when I was invited by my former boss in the income tax office to give a powerpoint presentation about the Glebe house and Gallery to a group of retired civil servants.
I had never done a powerpoint presentation before, but with Adrian’s help, we set it up. It went down a treat.
Everyone really enjoyed it and I was so grateful to Adrian for making me look good. The strangest question that comes to mind is “what is that for?” pointing in the direction of the Wenyes chamber pot.
You also paint – did you take much influence or inspiration from some of the Glebe Gallery’s displays?
The exhibits definitely inspired me to try different things; it allowed me to have fun with art and to see where paint and the brush strokes alone would take me.
Do you sell paintings, or is it just for pleasure?
I paint and use felt mostly for pleasure, but I do sell my art. You can keep up to date with what I am creating on my Facebook page, Mary Friel Artist. My art is available in local shops and I am also available to do workshops if anyone is interested in learning how to felt.
How is retirement going so far: what do you miss about the Glebe Gallery, what are you enjoying about your new routine?
I miss so many things about my work in the Glebe. Mostly I miss my Glebe family, the staff, but I look forward to calling out to see them. I loved that every day was different. I miss the regular visitors and artists. I miss the excitement of the opening of new exhibitions.
I especially enjoyed the waiting and wondering what the next exhibition was going to be and having the opportunity to learn about new artists and their works.
My favourite exhibition was the annual Easter exhibition. Seeing the breadth of local talent never ceased to amaze me. I also miss the gardens that seem to change on a daily basis with new plants and colours sprouting all the time.
I especially love the wildflower garden in July when there is a mass of colour with bees humming and all kinds of bugs busy doing their work. Try keeping me away when July comes! The trees at the Glebe are incredible and I love the paths that lead down to the lake and the new outdoor classroom that opened just this year.
There’s nothing nicer than sitting in the sunshine in the Glebe courtyard and sipping coffee while reading a book. It’s also a lovely place to meet up with friends.
Big plans for retirement?
I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family. We are expecting two new grandchildren this summer. There will be more time now to meet up with friends and to read.
I will continue with my daily morning swims in the sea and walks around beautiful Creeslough. Of course I will make time for art. I am so grateful for the wonderful life so far and I look forward to and feel privileged to be turning 70 next year.
Now, you know I have to ask, because I’ve seen it mentioned on the Facebook page…what happened that day you thought RTE News was on your tour of the Glebe House?
While this is a funny story, it can only be told in person so I’m afraid it will have to remain a mystery.
Sorry!
Quick fire:
Favourite book?
There are so many popping into my mind, but I think that it has to be “Heart’s Invisible Furies” by John Boyne.
Film?
It’s a Wonderful Life. I watch it every Christmas and it always has me reaching for the tissues.
The perfect night?
Columba and I sitting on Portnablagh beach on a beautiful sunny evening, watching the sun go down behind Horn head while eating tapas or a take away pizza and enjoying a glass of wine. Bliss!
Artist?
Joan Eardley
Music?
Toss-up between Bruce Springsteen and Van Morrison
Your nickname at school?
I didn’t have one that I was aware of; but while I was in Dublin my friends called me Patches.
What motivates you?
Survival
What do you look for most in a friend?
A kindred spirit.
How do you relax?
Going for my morning swim in the sea.
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