In 2024, Wexford artist Danny Brennan passed away. A noted artist, he regularly exhibited in Wexford and for many years at The Kilkenny Arts Festival. Lake Productions got to know Danny over the last 20 years, and a lovely relationship was formed.
Danny’s brother, Terry, was set designer and builder for Watergate Productions and his many designs included sets for The Field, Sive and The King’s of the Kilburn High Road. Indeed, Terry gave one of the best displays of acting in his role as Mártín in the Jimmy Murphy play. Apart from his artistic talents and his love of the Irish language, Danny was above all else a true gentleman.
Danny had one of the most comprehensive historical collections of the Barrowside town of New Ross, lovingly laid out in one of Danny’s outbuildings just a few miles outside New Ross, in Fisherstown. Dating back mostly to the 19th century, this private collection was very much a labour of love for Danny, who began creating An tSráid in 1992.
Collecting was something Danny did since he was a child. Growing up on Robert Street, Danny recalled firstly collecting boxes. He attributed his love of collecting to his parents, as his father Jack was a mender, who had a collection of everything from guns to clocks, and from engines to cars.
His mother Molly was equally as gifted. However, Danny stopped collecting in 1958 when he decided to become a monk. At the time he turned his talented hands to painting. After ten years, Danny decided it was not a life for him and left the monks. He started collecting once again and made his first collectable purchase – a small silver spoon.
Last week, Lake Productions were contacted by Danny’s family who wanted to donate one of his paintings to Lake to raffle – mind you, not his first donation to the Kilkenny theatre company. The art Watercolour is a framed painting of River Nore at Inistioge and tickets are available from Ger Cody on 087 259 1880. Speaking to The Kilkenny Observer newspaper, Emily Kelly from Lake Productions said the company were very grateful to the Brennan family for the very kind gesture.
