Open Window Productions

By John Nixon

“Brilliant absolutely brilliant” such ws the reaction of Richard Branson when former Secretary of State Mo Mowlam presented him with a chess set made by Anto Brennan whose sculpted caricatures and reproductions have become as common a feature of the North’s artistic, political, and cultural landscapes as murals and mosaics on our gable walls. It’s all there to be seen. Just walk off the pavement and into Open Window Production’s new gallery and studio on Belfast’s Exchange Place and you’re right in the middle of it. Without doubt the most innovative and original work can be viewed, purchased and commissioned there and then. No job is too big or small. Anto’s work has been featured on TV, magazines, national media inter alia and anyone who has possession of it has an heirloom. These are more than collector’s items.

Anto Brennan’s work is impressive ranging from a 6ft X 8ft sculpture of a fighting bull and bear, 8ft productions of shipyard workers, bronze and pewter Titanic chess sets, life-size busts of Albert Einstein and John Wayne, busts of entire families, all private commissions. Of course Anto’s sculptures of political figures here are best known and are still in demand even if the progenitors are not in vogue. Paisley and Adams sit alongside Mallon and Trimble on the same chess tables and not always on opposite sides.

The sculptured art presents a pageantry that goes well beyond the dimension of the north and which reflects the diversity of cultural and political life here. Yvonne Murphy of the Linen Hall Library puts the work in perspective “There are over 90,000 items in the Northern Ireland Political Collection. Few are greatly admired as the Chess Piece Process”.

Workshops in Open Windows Production’s new studio is also available to individuals and groups who wish to gain experience in various art mediums particularly sculpting.

The aim of the workshop is to enable participants to produce a sculpted bust of their own choice and create a piece of artwork as artists themselves. Each course lasts three hours over two days. Students are taught painting techniques, finishing effects, use of tools and materials and of course shaping. The end result is an actual product of the student’s choice and all made from a new clay which is non-toxic that does not require firing.

So if you feel creative call into Open Windows new workshop and gallery at Exchange Place. Tel 02890 329669/fax; 02890 871489 email: openwindows@ntlworld.com

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