An exhibition featuring the work of a much-loved Derry teacher will be launched in the city next week.
Anna Maud Gallagher taught for many years at Rosemount Girls and Saint Anne’s Primary School, where she imbued her pupils with a love of both art and nature.
Anna passed away two years ago.
Now, in her honour, Anna’s family are putting some of her work on display at an exhibition at St Columb’s Park House in the Waterside..
Anna Maud Gallagher – A Life in Nature will feature a selection of mounted photographs of Anna’s favourite landscape scenes, originally created in watercolour and oil paint.
The exhibition will be launched at 2.30pm on Sunday next, May 1.
The launch coincides with International Dawn Chorus Day and the exhibition will be preceded by a special Dawn Chorus Walk in memory of Anna, hosted by the RSPB in the grounds of St. Columb’s Park from 5am.
Born into a farming background in Newtownstewart in Co Tyrone, Anna (pictured) made her home at The Branch in the Templemore area of the city..
Anna started a bird-watching club at St Anne’s Primary School and enjoyed many trips to Magilligan Field Centre, where she also worked after her retirement from teaching.
Revealing the motivation behind the event, her goddaughter Jane Hughes said:"While Anna spent most of her working life in Derry, she passed away two years ago in County Tyrone and so many local people didn't get a chance to say goodbye.
“This exhibition and the Dawn Chorus Walk aim to honour the impact Anna had on many young lives through sharing her love of nature and art with the many children whom she taught.”
Speaking on behalf of the Gallagher family, Anna’s sister Moira said: “Anna’s love of nature was inspired by her daily trip to school in the company of our mother, brothers and sisters, through the Baronscourt Estate, a haven of wildlife and nature at its best.
“We are looking forward to sharing stories, memories and Anna’s artistic talents with her friends, former pupils, colleagues and art lovers from in and around the city with this very special exhibition.”
Admission to the exhibition is free.
It will also be on display at the Central Library in Derry from May 16-28.
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