History

The Beginnings
1980 - 1990
The growth of printmaking in Ireland during this time was concurrent with a flourishing growth in confidence in Irish Fine Art. Michael Byrne, Phoebe Donovan, Liam Ó Broin, Sara Horgan and Pádraig Ó Cuimín were the small group of passionate individuals who, led by the late John Kelly, set out to facilitate this growth by creating a new kind of printmaking studio; one which would include the oldest technology side by side with the newest. They were later joined by Barbara Dunne, Andrew Folan, Jan de Fouw, Ken Langan, Marie Louise Martin and Jacqueline Stanley. Initially without formally identified roles, and later employing a rotating chair system, each of these people played a key role in the establishment of the Black Church Print Studio; particularly Sara Horgan who also acted as Administrator. This gradual development of formal structures at the Black Church reflects the true nature of a grass-roots artists' organisation.

Jan de Fouw Hon NCAD
Chairperson 1990 - 1996
With the National College of Art and Design now awarding diplomas in printmaking, membership and ambitions continued to grow at the Black Church. Emerging as a natural facilitator and motivator, able to sum up wide-ranging discussions, Jan de Fouw was the first formal Chairperson of what was by now an incorporated company. The fire which destroyed the Studio in 1990 created the biggest challenge to date - that of keeping the spirit of the Studio alive when its building had been lost. Jan describes this as a time of 'lots of energy awaiting direction'. The Board of Directors pressed ahead with the planned exhibitions programme and started yet again the difficult search for premises. Black Church finally reopened for business at its new purpose-built Temple Bar premises in 1993. Designed by McCullough Mulvin Architects, the building won the Downes Medal awarded by the Architectural Association of Ireland in 1996.

Ken Langan
Chairperson 1996 - 1997
Having already served on the Board for five years, Ken Langan's history of commitment and creative contribution to the Studio were key in his being elected to the chair. But as an accountant by profession, Ken was initially somewhat reluctant to take on the role. Yet it was his particular expertise both as an accountant and as Assistant Director of the National College of Art and Design that was vital in this period. Ken established the finances of the Black Church; a vital grounding on which the organisation was able to stand steady and look to the future. He then launched a period of expansion at Black Church, attracting new members to both the Studio and the Board.

Andrew Folan
Chairperson 1997 - 1999

Describing the day-to-day life of working in a Temple Bar studio 'like running a business in a theme park for boozing', Andrew Folan nonetheless gave 16 years service to the Black Church, two of which were as Chair. During this time digital technologies were increasingly used by artists world-wide, not least by Black Church's own members. The Studio welcomed these developments with open arms and the Board showed support with the purchase of new equipment. Andrew's own work reflects this ethos, having exhibited consistently during this time, his work is typified by the very considered use of a wide range of techniques, embracing both the tradition and the cutting edge of printmaking.