F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Studio

About the museum

The F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Studio is dedicated to the sculptor Frederick Edward McWilliam, who was born in Newry Street, Banbridge, on 30 April 1909. He was a contemporary and friend of Henry Moore, made his name in London and became one of the leading Irish sculptors of his generation. After his death in 1992, the executors of his estate gave his studio and its contents to his home town.

The gallery opened in September 2008. It has an open exhibition space with a permanent display of McWilliam sculptures in a glass case at the front, and an annual programme of exhibitions with lectures and workshops. The sculpture garden was designed to recall the garden of his home in Holland Park in London, with yew hedges and borders forming a series of garden rooms for the sculptures.

The studio is a replica of his workshop, built with glass walls so that visitors can see it as he left it. It holds many maquettes, the preparatory works for his bronzes, from wire frames to plaster. The building also houses a craft shop, a café and a visitor information point. An extension with a new collection gallery is due to be completed in autumn 2026.

Highlights

• Permanent display of F.E. McWilliam sculptures
• Replica of the sculptor’s studio with maquettes
• Sculpture garden
• Changing exhibitions of Irish and international art
• Free admission

Permanent exhibitions

• F.E. McWilliam sculpture collection – Permanent display of sculptures by F.E. McWilliam in a glass case at the front of the gallery.
• Replica studio – A glass-walled replica of the sculptor’s studio-workshop, with a large collection of maquettes.
• Sculpture Garden – Garden rooms divided by yew hedges and borders, with sculptures on granite plinths.

Founded

2008

Operated by

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Single-storey building with wide automatic doors and level access throughout, and ramps to the garden and studio. There are slight ramps at the entrance to the gallery. An on-site wheelchair is available, and reception, information desk and café have lowered desks. Accessible toilets have baby changing in a cubicle, and a Changing Places facility is planned in the extension. Large-print documents are available on request, assistance dogs are welcome, and the venue is a JAM Card friendly venue. A free digital guide through Bloomberg Connects offers audio, British Sign Language and several languages. Blue Badge bays are close to the main entrance.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Baby changing facilities

Families are welcome to drop in free of charge. Art and craft workshops for adults and children run throughout the year, and there is baby changing in the accessible toilets.

Getting there & parking

The gallery is just off the A1 between Belfast and Dublin; take the exit for The Boulevard Outlet Shopping Centre. It is about a 30-minute walk from the town centre along Newry Road (A26).

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Quails at the Gallery is a café-restaurant overlooking the sculpture garden; the craft shop sells work by Irish designers and makers.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit