Frederick Edward McWilliam CBE RA (Irish 1909-1992) The Women of Belfast, XI, Figure of a young woman, 1972, signed and numbered 2/5 to the base, bronze, 61 cm high

Provenance: Private collection of a Gentleman, purchased from Waddington Galleries, Cork Street, Mayfair by Sir Philip Dunn during which the vendor was present, the sculpture was subsequently gifted to the vendor by Mrs Mary Dunn c.1991

McWilliam was born in Bainbridge, County Down and was heavily influenced by childhood memories of violent clashes that occurred in his hometown, including seeing his own father treating a young child who had been shot while caught in the crossfire. His career brought him to London, where he spent most of his adult life, but some of his most acclaimed works focused upon his reactions to events in Ireland during the heights of The Troubles.

During the 1970s McWilliam created a series of harrowing female figures in bronze, titled The Women of Belfast, the sculptures represented women as the victims of war. They were inspired by the victims of a particularly brutal bombing of the Abercorn Restaurant in central Belfast on the 4^th March 1972. The venue was packed with diners at the time, a bomb exploded at 4.30 in the afternoon, having been disguised in a handbag on the floor. Two young women in their early twenties were killed instantly and over 130 others suffered catastrophic and life-changing injuries.

In response to the Abercorn bombing McWilliam created the Women of Belfast series, the female figures memorialise not only the two tragic lives lost, but also represent all the victims who suffered during the height of The Troubles in Northern Ireland. The significance of these sculptures is no less poignant today, exemplifying the innumerable innocents caught up in modern conflicts worldwide.

Each of the figurines from the series features a female victim in a different pose, being violently blown through the air. The figure consigned with Halls Fine Art portrays a woman fighting to remain standing, her head bowed, limbs at unnatural angles, her clothing blown forcefully backwards by the sheer force of the explosion. It stands at 61 cm high and McWilliam portrays the whole of her body reacting against the blast. The figure is charged with energy, her body tense, trying to resist against an even more powerful force.

Condition Report

The sculpture and base are bronze. The figure appears in good condition, there are no obvious faults, losses or repairs. The material appears stable- there are no obvious signs of deterioration. There is surface dust present - mostly located in the folds and crevices of the piece. Beneath the base there is what appears to be crack to the surface (see additional image) but it is not deep, the structure is stable and sound.

Bidding indicates acceptance of the condition of the lot.  All lots are sold subject to general wear and tear commensurate with age and handling over time and only obvious faults will be mentioned after a visual inspection. If you have particular specialist questions on any lot, please state these before bidding since we cannot and will not provide a forensic examination of any lot but only a general condition report as a guide only. All condition reports given by Halls Holdings Ltd's representatives or agents are statements of opinion and not fact. If you require any further information about any lots in this auction or about bidding please do not hesitate to contact us again.