Arrival of Paddy the Piper by Samuel McCloy

Acquisition of painting by Lisburn-born artist Samuel McCloy (1831-1904): The Arrival of Padrig na Pib (Paddy the Piper), 1873. Oil on canvas. McCloy began his artistic career as an apprentice with the Belfast School of Design in 1850. He distinguished himself by winning numerous prizes and was sent to the Training School for Masters in London to train as an art teacher. His first posting was to Waterford School of Art as headmaster in 1854. In 1874 he moved to Belfast where he supported his growing family (he was to have 6 daughters and 3 sons) by working as a freelance illustrator for the well known publishing firm of Marcus Ward and for the Illustrated London News. During this period he also prepared damask designs for Joh Shaw Brown & Sons. He also produced watercolours for a commercial gallery in London and continued to exhibit there and in Dublin. The remainder of his life was spent in London and he died there on 4 October 1904. A versatile artist his output included domestic scenes, pictures of children, still life subjects and landscapes. He is, however, best known for his child studies and homely scenes, works full of sentimentality so loved by the Victorians.