Jude Welton

Jude Collins

National Gallery of Art of London Staff

Redefines the silent dialogue between picture and viewer by analyzing masterworks throughout the ages. From classical legends and religious symbolism to Impressionist landscapes and abstract art, subject matter is examined alongside the concerns of meduim, composition, style and colour.

Looking at Paintings

In Martin McGuinness, The Man I Knew, Jude Collins offers the reader a range of perspectives on a man who helped shape Ireland's recent history. Those who knew Martin McGuinness during his life talk frankly about him, what he did and said, what sort of man he was. Eileen Paisley speaks of the influence she believes her husband, Ian, had on him; former Assistant Chief Constable Peter Sheridan recounts how the Derry IRA targeted him as a Catholic RUC policeman; peace talks chairman Senator George Mitchell comments on the role he played in talks that led to the Good Friday Agreement; and Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams remembers the man who for so many years was his closest colleague. Other contributors include; Ulster Unionist MLA Michael McGimpsey, prominent Irish-American Niall O’Dowd, peace talks chairman Senator George Mitchell, 54th Comptroller of the State of New York Thomas P. Di Napoli and Presbyterian minister David Lattimer.

The Man I Knew

Martin McGuinness:

The next ten years – 2012-2022 – have been referred to as ‘the decade of centenaries’. This book focuses on three of those centenaries: the signing of the Ulster Covenant (2012), the Easter Rising (2016) and the Battle of the Somme (2016). It consists of sixteen extended interviews with politicians, artists and writers from the north and south of Ireland. (These have been re-written by the author in the style of ‘A Life in the Day of’ Sunday Times pieces.) Among those interviewed are An Taoiseach Enda Kenny (Irish Prime Minister), Gregory Campbell MP, Ian Paisley Jr MP, the author Roddy Doyle, the artist Robert Ballagh, Bernadette McAliskey, Mary Lou McDonald and Danny Morrison. Each interview begins with some thoughts on the interviewee’s background and introduction to politics; it goes on to explore their views on the significance of each of the historical events, how they might be commemorated, what opportunities and dangers these commemorations involve. While the core questions for each interview are the same, the responses are unique to each interviewee. Each interview, from these key figures, will be accompanied by a portrait image.

The Ulster Covenant, the Easter Rising and the Battle of the Somme

Whose Past is it Anyway?

Collins captures the twilight zone -- the transition from childhood innocence to adult awareness of sexuality. Here, the thundering 'fire & brimstone' priests and strap-happy Christian Brothers do constant battle with their 'shameless, sacrilegious gutter-snipe' pupils. The boys caper through a world where their animal spirits and sexual curiosity keep them on a collision course with the pomposities of the adults in charge of them. Funny, definitely, but also poignant, especially for readers who had a similar education.

Jude Collins

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