Joseph McWilliams RUA
Born in 1938 in Belfast, Joseph McWilliams began his journey in the world of art with an education at the Belfast College of Art and the Open University. His passion for art and dedication to education led him to a prestigious career in academia, starting as a Lecturer in Art Education at Ulster Polytechnic, Belfast, in 1973. In 1980, he was promoted to Senior Lecturer and later took on the role of Senior Course Tutor at the University of Ulster.
In 1986, he co-founded Cavehill Gallery with Catherine McWilliams. His contributions to the art community were recognized in 1994 when he was elected to the Royal Ulster Academy. By 1989, he had transitioned to a full-time painter and served as the Director of Cavehill Gallery, dedicating his life to his artistic pursuits. His work often took a wry look at the troubled political scene in Northern Ireland, providing a unique and thought-provoking perspective.
In 2000, McWilliams was elected President of the Royal Ulster Academy of Arts, a position he held until 2004. During this time, he also shared his insights as an art columnist for the Irish News. After retiring from the presidency of the RUA, he continued to live and work in Belfast, leaving an indelible mark on the local art scene.
Joseph McWilliams RUA passed away in 2015.
In 1986, he co-founded Cavehill Gallery with Catherine McWilliams. His contributions to the art community were recognized in 1994 when he was elected to the Royal Ulster Academy. By 1989, he had transitioned to a full-time painter and served as the Director of Cavehill Gallery, dedicating his life to his artistic pursuits. His work often took a wry look at the troubled political scene in Northern Ireland, providing a unique and thought-provoking perspective.
In 2000, McWilliams was elected President of the Royal Ulster Academy of Arts, a position he held until 2004. During this time, he also shared his insights as an art columnist for the Irish News. After retiring from the presidency of the RUA, he continued to live and work in Belfast, leaving an indelible mark on the local art scene.
Joseph McWilliams RUA passed away in 2015.
