Reminiscences

Below is a selection of feedback we have received about Ian and his work.

T Anderson - United Kingdom

I have very fond memories of Ian, I lost touch when we left Larne Grammar School. My late brother Irwin studied Art and also won a prize at the Children's Texaco Art Competition in Dublin. They were both mentored by the same art teacher Bob Beattie. My late brother was also friendly with Ian's brother Steve. Regrettably I've none of Ian's work. I remember that he was a keen writer (being very widely read, way beyond his years) and I think it is fair to say challenged his English teachers. I know he contributed to the School Magazine at Larne Grammar School and they may have some of his drawings and writing in their archive. Ian also contributed to the East Antrim Times. Above all, I remember Ian as having a mischievous almost wicked sense of humour. I recall many happy moments reliving the latest Monty Python episode or movie with him. Ian was always a student apart, art was where he was always destined to shine. Ian Darragh's end of year portfolio always shook and sometimes shocked Larne Grammar School. Everyone looked forward to it. I suspect even those who were shocked! Once again, really sorry to hear he is no longer with us.

C Toomey - United Kingdom

I bought this beautiful painting many years ago from Nick Treadwell - having no money, he let me pay in installments over a year, for which I remain hugely grateful to him. The painting has travelled with me through life, triumphs, disasters, relationships and house moves, always hung prominently. Last year, I decided to buy a painting and that of all the artists I admired, Ian Darragh was still the artist whose work I coveted. I was devastated to learn of his untimely death, and to discover that there was very little available. I am so pleased I took the plunge all those years ago & have this wonderful work.

H Kuhn - Germany

I've seen the site and I love it. It is great and one hell of a job. And you know what? Ever since the web exists, I think people don't die anymore, since they stay in the world wide web, somehow. I know it sounds stupid, but to me this net is still something haunting, something unreal, some kind of a world in between the worlds. Everything we are exists also on the web, and thus may be seen on the other side. It is like us, disastrous and wonderful at the same time. Anyway, Ian lives on in this world through his art and in our memories. I shall be honored if you put my short story on his site.

P Cavaciuti - United Kingdom

I am so sad to hear that Ian has passed away, it's a real shock. I was at Hornsey college with him. I have an etching of his which I pass every day in my house.

G Tunnadine - United Kingdom

I remember Ian well from the time at Alexandra Palace and then at Quicksilver Place. He was a good painter and an inspiration. He was quite shy (or reserved), but always kind. I am sad to hear of his death, but pleased to see all his achievements.

S Kramer and S Goldstein - New York, USA

We are devastated to learn of Ian Darragh's death.  We purchased The Visit at an art fair, having been struck by its haunting and Balthusian nature.  It is interesting, more than 20 years later, to continue to observe the reactions of our friends and guests to our painting; we have heard many different interpretations of the image. We would be interested in knowing where we might acquire other paintings of Ian's - perhaps a bit smaller!  (The Visit is about 5 feet square). As someone who was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease at a relatively young age, I empathize to some degree with Ian\'s unfortunate fate.  We hope he knew some happiness in his life; he has brought us so much pleasure.

N Treadwell - Austria

It is a wonderful site, a perfect and fitting homage to Ian and his work, at the same time as being an incredibly comprehensive reference for those looking for information about Ian or those exploring areas upon which his life has touched. He would have been delighted with such concerned detail, presented in such a clear and effective manner. You and your friends are to be most sincerely congratulated. I would also thank you for the kind references to my gallery’s involvement with Ian’s art. It was intriguing to read the "Sinister Men" story. As you know, in those mid eighties years, I collected a some small works of Ian’s, which I see daily, the largest being the Man and Saw print. I also have that wonderful Horse and Boy small black and white etching. Of course much of the information and a good deal of the works, I did not know, so it is great for me to be filled in with all his available life information. The site certainly makes clear his stature and the unique nature of his art. He was such a sensitive, cool man - it is all so very him.

A Dale - United Kingdom

I lived beside Ian Darragh as a kid, for several years, and went to the same secondary school. I had no idea he had progressed to this level, nor unfortunately passed away. His artistic talent at school was legendary however, so I suppose it was no surprise he achieved greater things. If you want any feedback regarding years 1973 - 1977 please contact me.