A Tale of Witchcraft, Wolves and an Unlikely Friendship: The Butler Gallery
The Butler Gallery in Kilkenny opened its new doors in August 2020 following its move from Kilkenny Castle to Evans’ Home on John Quay in the centre of the city.
With the pandemic this wonderful building has not yet been widely admired by members of the public so it was very welcome when Ireland relaxed their government guidelines in the run up to Christmas. Although admittance to the gallery is limited, based on capacity to adhere to social distancing measures, it is back open.
Last week our Managing Director, Daniel Ring, took time out to visit the gallery for the first time since the new restoration works were completed and was able to enjoy the delightful Wolfwalkers exhibition.
The story based on one of the most eagerly anticipated animated features of the year, from Oscar-nominated Irish director Tomm Moore (“Song of the Sea” and “The Secret of Kells”), showcases the main drawings and backgrounds and wonderfully illustrates the key messages of the folkloric adventure about two young girls saving the hunted wolf population of Kilkenny in the 1650s.
“A tale of witchcraft, wolves and an unlikely friendship – it’s a great story for all ages which includes humour, sadness and conflict. Not only is this exhibition great for Kilkenny itself, it was a great sense of achievement for everyone involved in bringing this great building to life. Seeing this exhibition, designed by Steven McNamara of the award-winning exhibition studio – ROJI, was extremely gratifying as the appointed M&E design consultants” – Daniel Ring, Managing Director, Lawler Consulting
Lawler Consulting were also the M&E design engineers for Grouse Lodge which are the recording studios used for the sound recording of Wolfwalkers. Michael Jackson and Sinead O’Connor are some of the great artists who have used this studio previously which offers unique setting and facilities for recording.
While not open to the public presently, the Wolfwalkers exhibition virtual tour is available via the Butler Gallery website. For those that can’t make it check out the Wolfwalkers film already released on Apple TV+.
See the Butler Gallery Building Restoration Project
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