NI painter Basil Blackshaw '˜pushed the boundaries'

The funeral for Basil Blackshaw, whose career stretches back to the mid-20th century, is set to take place next week following his death on Monday, aged 83.

Known to be averse to the limelight, he was nevertheless highly successful and Charlie Minter – head of Irish art at global auctioneering firm Sotheby’s – said that up until his death he was regarded as “one of Ireland’s greatest living painters”.

His firm sold several paintings by him since 2000, averaging roughly £30,000 to £50,000 – but with the highest price being £134,000, for a piece called ‘The First Tractor in Randalstown’.

The piece is modern and abstract, said Mr Minter, adding that “throughout his career he’s always been redefining painting and pushing the boundaries”.

Asked how big a loss his death will be for the art world, he said: “I think it will leave a big hole. In the art world, everyone knew Basil Blackshaw.

“He was the giant of contemporary painters in Ireland... He was a great influence and inspiration to new artists as well, to younger generations, so I think his loss will be felt quite significantly.”

Dr Riann Coulter, curator of the FE McWilliam Gallery in Banbridge, organised what is believed to have been the last major exhibition of his work.

Displayed in 2012 in Banbridge and Dublin, it involved more than 50 paintings.

She said he tried his hand at a wide range of styles, ranging from “anatomically accurate” depictions of animals to much more abstract images.

Among his famous work is a piece called ‘Grand National: Foinavon’s Year’, measuring about 3.5m wide (about 11.5ft) and depicting a jockey tumbling off a horse as it jumps a fence during the race in 1967.

In his death notice on the website FuneralTimes.com, donations are requested for “Irish Injured Jockeys c/o Wrays Funeral Directors”.

“It’s such a great loss – it’s terrible,” said Dr Coulter.

“His paintings are all over the place, all over Ireland.

“He was very famous for horses and dogs. He didn’t really try talking about art – he liked talking about horses and dogs, to tell you the truth!

“In the art world he was known for those, but [also] for fantastic portraits as well.

“He kept changing – the sign of a good artist is to keep changing.”

He painted portraits of Clint Eastwood, Brian Friel, and SDLP leader John Hume.

Dr Coulter added that he had suffered from depression, and was “quite open” about the condition; paintings of the corner of rooms or of blank windows are thought to be reflections of his suffering.

She said that by 2012 he was experiencing general ill-health and had become “quite sick”, but also that “he had a great sense of humour”.

Asked where he stands in the whole canon of Northern Irish artists, she replied: “I think he’s very high up there.”

It is understood he was originally from Glengormley, and was living in Antrim town at the time of his death.

His funeral service will be held in Roselawn Crematorium on Monday, May 9, at 2pm. All are welcome.

He will be cremated.

He is survived by his life partner, daughter, grandson, and great-grandaughter.