News Release

Blue Plaque for Enniskillen Artist

An Ulster History Circle plaque, in memory of William Scott will be unveiled at his former home in Enniskillen.

The ceremony will be held on Monday 15 February 2010 at 11.30 a.m at 2 Queen Street, Enniskillen. William’s sons, James and Robert Scott, will unveil the plaque.

William Scott was born on 15 February 1913 in Greenock, Scotland. His family moved to Enniskillen when he was eleven. He was educated at the Model School and attended night classes in art at the Technical School, under Kathleen Bridle. He studied at the Belfast College of Art in Belfast in 1928. He won a scholarship to the Royal Academy School, London where he won a silver medal and in 1934 became a Landseer scholar in painting. He was awarded a Leverhulme scholarship in 1935.

During the early years of the Second World War Scott helped to run an art school in France and from there went to live in Dublin and then London. From 1942 to 1946 he served with the Royal Engineers, and learned lithography in the map-making section. From 1946 to 1956 he taught art at Bath Acadamy of Art and from there went to Canada and America as a guest instructor.

Scott exhibited in London, America, Italy, Switzerland, West Germany, France, Canada and Australia, as well as Belfast and Dublin. In 1961, he executed a mural for the Altnagelvin Hospital, Londonderry. He is represented in many collections at home and abroad including the Tate collection, the Ulster Museum, the Scottish National Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim Museum.

Scott was an internationally recognised artist, representing Britain abroad. He was appointed CBE in 1966 and received honorary doctorates from the RCA, QUB and TCD. He was elected RA in 1984. He died in Coleford, Somerset on 28 December 1989.

The plaque is supported by Fermanagh District Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Wesley McCann, Chairman of the Ulster History Circle said, “The Ulster History Circle is pleased to erect a blue plaque in honour of William Scott, one of the most distinguished artists of the last century, in the town where he spent his formative years and first learnt to paint. These plaques serve to keep alive the memory of those men and women who have enriched the scientific and cultural life of the Province by their endeavours.”

Councillor Robert Irvine, Chairman of Fermanagh District Council said, “The Council is delighted to see this Ulster History Circle plaque erected in memory of William Scott, a very famous Fermanagh Artist. ”

Background Note

The Ulster History Circle blue plaques commemorate men and women, born in or associated with the province of Ulster, who have made a significant contribution to its history and development. Website: www.ulsterhistory.co.uk

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) enables communities to celebrate, look after and learn more about our diverse heritage. From our great museums and historic buildings to local parks and beauty spots or recording and celebrating traditions, customs and history, HLF grants open up our nation’s heritage for everyone to enjoy. They are supported by more than 18,600 projects, allocating £3.6 billion across the UK. Website: www.hlf.org.uk

For further information contact Sean Nolan, Ulster History Circle, Tel. 028 9066 7883