The most significant public art collection of artist TP Flanagan’s work now belongs to his native county, Fermanagh, in recognition of the artist’s wishes, thanks to a unique collection that was recently enhanced by a major new acquisition of paintings.

The collection was officially launched for the first time at Fermanagh County Museum, Enniskillen on Monday, February 21.

One of the leading artists of his generation, TP Flanagan (1929-2011) was born and grew up in Enniskillen. The lakelands of Fermanagh provided a continuous source of inspiration throughout the artist’s career.

The exhibition highlights the range of themes in his work, including Lissadell and Castle Coole, as well as important paintings relating to The Troubles.

The exhibition provides a fascinating insight into the creativity behind the finished works with sketchbooks, letters and photographs on display, donated to Fermanagh County Museum by the artist’s family.

The museum has said it is delighted to have been able to acquire, interpret and display the TP Flanagan Collection for Fermanagh for people locally, nationally and internationally to enjoy and appreciate the work of the artist described by Dr. S. B. Kennedy, formerly Head of Art at the Ulster Museum, as "one of the most important landscapists working in Ireland in the second half of the 20th Century, and in the early years of the 21st Century".

Speaking about the TP Flanagan exhibition, the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Errol Thompson, said: "The Council is delighted to have acquired this wonderful collection of works by one of the district’s most distinguished artists, TP Flanagan.

"We are extremely grateful to the Flanagan family, as well as our funders, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Art Fund, and the Friends of Fermanagh County Museum, whose support was central to securing the collection for his native county.

"The Council is committed to making art more accessible to local people and we are fortunate that, in Fermanagh County Museum at Enniskillen Castle, we have a purpose-built venue in Enniskillen which can showcase this superb collection of works in such a fitting manner.

"I am confident that this collection will prove to be an excellent asset not only for the museum but for both locals and visitors alike,” he added.

The TP Flanagan Collection represents a huge resource for visitors, schools, students and academics alike. Assisting with the exhibition and work on the collection has been Ulster University postgraduate student, Claire Browne, who said: "As part of the MA in Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies, I was fortunate to be offered a placement with Fermanagh County Museum.

"One of the joys of working on an archive of this scope is the ability to follow the artist’s creative process from the initial photographs and preliminary sketches, through to his finished works.

"Having the opportunity to work on the TP Flanagan Collection is a rare and unique privilege.”

Prof. Elizabeth Crooke, Course Director, MA Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies, Ulster University, emphasised the opportunity of working with such a unique collection and archive.

She said: "This is a fantastic placement opportunity for a postgraduate student [on the course]. Not only is the course content brought alive in the museum setting, but Claire is getting invaluable experience alongside skilled and generous professionals.

"It is very special for Claire to work with the studio archive of TP Flanagan – this is a collection of national importance and we are delighted that Claire is part of the team preparing it for exhibition in 2022.

"We look forward to seeing her learning from the MA programme evident in the new displays.”