Welcome to the twenty-fourth blog post from the Collection Technicians.
Albert Irvin was a contemporary painter and printmaker, best known for his large paintings using bold and vibrant colours. This print ‘Merrion’ was made in 1996 using wood block and screen-printing techniques.
Irvin’s earlier paintings are much more figurative, the best example of this being his piece ‘The Cellist’ made in 1955. However, after seeing the touring show titled, ‘Modern Art in the United States’ in 1956 at the Tate gallery, which included works by Rothko and Jackson Pollock, Irvin really focused on his more expressionist style which can be seen here in ‘Merrion.’ In multiple interviews Irvin describes the pivotal moment of seeing all the abstract expressionist works in one room, how it was a monumental turning point for him and his work.
Irvin exhibited at the 57 Gallery in Edinburgh, the 57 Gallery was an artist run exhibition space open from 1957 to 1984. The gallery went on to exhibit artists such as Barbara Rae and John Bellany and became an important part of Edinburgh’s art scene. In 1984 The 57 Gallery combined with the Fruitmarket Gallery which is still exhibiting today. Irvin also exhibited in other notable Scottish art galleries such as The Third Eye Gallery, Glasgow and Talbot Rice, Edinburgh.
‘Merrion’ was created during Irvin’s time in Dublin where he exhibited at the Royal Hibernian Academy. ‘Merrion’ was a partner piece to another work made at the same time titled ‘O’Connell,’ which is a much warmer print with a yellow base and pink and green floating objects, both pieces feature a distinctive ‘M’ shape in the bottom right-hand corner. Irvin was an influential figure in the abstract expressionist painting movement and showcased a joyful and unique style in his bright paintings and prints.
Caring for the Collection is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund Scotland.
Thanks to National Lottery players, we will be able to dedicate time to improve the condition of our artworks currently in our store, so that they will be able to be displayed in health and social care settings across Scotland
15 October 2026 by
Vanessa Paynton