About the Artists Database

The NIVAL Artists Database has been compiled in order to improve public access to the Library's extensive information files on 20th century and contemporary Irish artists.  These files contain exhibition catalogues, newspaper cuttings and ephemera on over 3,500 artists born or based in Ireland.

The Artists Database is a reference resource providing basic biographical and work details on each artist abstracted from the information contained in the hard copy files held in the Library.  It is important to realise that the records are a summary of the information held in each artist's file.  A visit to NIVAL is recommended to researchers seeking a comprehensive view of the actual files.

Although we have endeavoured to ensure the information is correct, it is inevitable, given the diverse sources of information, that some inaccuracies may occur.  Changes and updates are made on an ongoing basis and the Library welcomes suggestions, criticism, and donations of relevant material.

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  • Reference Code:IE/NIVAL AR/1062
  • First Name: Derek
  • Last Name: Hill
  • Gender: Male
  • Date of Birth: 1916
  • Date of Death: 2000
  • Place of Birth: England
  • Nationality: British
  • Website: www.solomongallery.com
  • Area Of Practice:
    • Painting
    • Theatre Design
  • Artwork Type Technique:
    • Oil Painting
    • Drawings
  • Abstract/Figurative: Abstract
  • Genre:
    • Portraiture
  • Represented By: Not Specified
  • Public Art: No
  • Size: 20+
  • Manuscript Material: No
  • Physical Location: Artist Files Collection
  • Public Collection:
    • Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
    • Office of Public Works (OPW).
    • Ulster Museum, Belfast.
    • Hugh Lane Municipal Gallery, Dublin.
    • Other

other Info Source:

Buckman's Dictionary of Artists in Britain since 1945 (1998)

Awards

1956 'Seasons' Exhibition, Contemporary Arts Society, Tate Gallery, London, Prizewinner.

Bibliography

2010 Derek Hill, by Bruce Arnold

Education

1933 Munchner Lehrwerkstaten, Munich, Germany, Stage Design.
No Date Studied in Paris.

Notes

Hill initially trained as a theatre set designer and designed sets and costumes for the ballet "Il Travatore" at Covent Garden, London. He was also involved with the Wexford Opera Festival since its inception in c.1951. Hill became a member of the committee of the Contemporary Art Society in 1958 following his fist visit to Tory Island. Best known for his landscape and portrait work, he offered great support and interest to the Tory Island Painters. Founder of the Glebe Gallery, Co. Donegal, he won numerous prizes and awards for his acheivements. These include honorary life membership to the Royal Dublin Society in 1988, membership to the RHA and honorary Irish Citizenship in 1999. An article by Monk Gibbon 'Paintings by Derek Hill' in 'The Dubliner' No. 6, January / February 1963 is available in NIVAL. File contains extensive newspaper clippings, catalogues and images of artist's work.

There is a file in the digital ephemera related to this artist. If you have a login then click here to access it.