French historian to deliver online lecture to local historical society

French historian Dr Amélie Dochy from the University of Toulouse will deliver a lecture on the Scottish painter Erskine Nichol, who had an artist’s studio on Clonave Island in Lough Derravaragh in the 19th century.

Nicol completed several paintings which depicted the life and conditions of country people in Westmeath after the famine. He also befriended the Blake family nearby and descendants of this family now live in what was Nicol’s studio.

Nicol’s work in Westmeath remains a valuable source for historians and collectors.

The lecture takes place on the Zoom platform on Wednesday next, February 10 at 8pm, and all are welcome.

The link to the lecture is on the website whahs.ie and the lecture is free to view.