Red Roofs, Nerja (1973) bristles with a quivering, restless energy as the artist balances colour with the particulars of light and form that run in parallel with reality. In this painting, Alicia Boyle responds to the palette and textures of Nerja, Spain in her typically impressionist style. As a comparison, however, it is quite different from Machines of Learning (1938), an earlier example of her work that is also in the collection.

Alicia Boyle (1908-1997) was born in Bangkok and, from an early age, led a highly mobile life. Following a childhood in Limavady, County Derry and in London, she received a scholarship to the independent Byam Shaw School Art (now part of Central Saint Martins – University of the Arts London). While there she trained under principal and lithographer F. Ernest Jackson (1872-1945), whose philosophy focused on simplicity, unity, and intentionality. Much of Boyle’s subsequent career was spent between Ireland, England, Spain, and Greece, before she settled in Bantry, County Cork in 1971.

Red Roofs, Nerja (1973) by Alicia Boyle is featured in THE GIBSON BEQUEST: Home & Away until 17 March 2020 in our Long Room (Floor 1).