Jean Duncan RUA 1933 – 2018
Jean was a printmaker and co-founder of Seacourt.
Jean’s artistic career began when she attended the Edinburgh School of Art and went on to study printmaking at the Ulster Polytechnic Art & Design Centre. In the years following her graduation Jean’s work was widely exhibited in Ireland, the UK and inter-nationally. She is represented in many private and public collections, won several major awards and was elected to the Royal Ulster Academy in 1994.
As well as her own work Jean also worked on several collaborative projects.
“Still Dancers” in 1998 was set to music by the Nossek quartet and she worked with composer, Deirdre McKay, on two projects “The Fly” based on William Blake’s “Songs of Experience” and again in 2005 on “A Pale Yellow Sky”.
Jean’s daughter, Jane, reflected on a life full of creativity…
“Mum was totally committed to creative expression – even as a young mother she painted… Her dedication to her artwork was impressive – everywhere she lived she had a studio, even if just a corner of a room… She always needed to be doing something different, exploring new mediums, encouraging herself and others to take risks.I was so proud of her.”
“Jean and I got together through our passion for printmaking, and our friendship grew over the years. She was always encouraging, supportive and great fun. Seacourt is now in its 5th premises and I am sure Jean would be very happy to know that we are still going forward. Jean was my best friend for many years and I miss her so much.”
Margaret Arthur – Co-founder
Seacourt Print Workshop was founded in 1981 by Jean and her great friend the artist printmaker, Margaret Arthur. Together they established the first Print Workshop in Seacourt Teachers’ Centre, Princetown Road, Bangor. To help generate income to purchase essential equipment and materials they delivered printmaking courses to teachers, artists and the broader community.
The Seacourt we know and love today is the result of their shared vision, their commitment and drive to promote the art of printmaking. They were never afraid to accept the challenge of change and development and now in our new central Bangor location we continue to build on their legacy.
Jean was supported and encouraged in all her creative ventures by her devoted husband, Roderick Duncan. His input to the development of Seacourt was significant and we gratefully acknowledge his part in our growth.
