MAGICAL PLACE: Much loved and vibrant Offaly art studio over 25 years in business
MAGICAL PLACE: Much loved and vibrant Offaly art studio over 25 years in business
November 2025 marked the 25th anniversary of the opening of the much-loved and vibrant Tin Jug Studio on Brendan Street in beautiful Birr. It was the first art gallery in Offaly. The first exhibition all those years ago was called ‘The Presence of Light’ and featured superb artworks in a number of mediums. Since then it has hosted many more exhibitions of a similarly high standard.
Tin Jug is run by the talented artist-writer-designer, Rosalind Fanning, who sometimes modestly calls herself an ‘arty-farty’!
The Studio is known for its tranquillity, as being a place set apart from the hubbub and busy-ness of the contemporary world. People love its otherworldly, peaceful nature.
As well as exhibitions, Tin Jug has been hosting art classes for children and adults over the last quarter century. It also has a strong connection with Birr's arts festivals and has often run events connected with the various festivals.
Rosalind was raised in England and Ireland, of Irish parents and ancestry. She studied the History of Fine Arts and Interior Architecture in London. After having worked for the family business in the UK, in property restoration and historic tourism, she moved to New York where she worked as a Colour and Materials Specialist for leading architects and designers.
But Ireland was always where Rosalind felt happiest and she moved back here in 1993, throwing herself enthusiastically into the artistic life of the midlands.
She remains as enthusiastic and as busy as ever. Her art classes for children continue to be very popular. Last year she collaborated on the Shinrone Gown project with artist-tailor-crafter Bernie Stapleton, for the Shinrone Heritage Group.
Her ongoing and multi-layered Mini Museums of Birr Project is being funded by Creative Ireland and Offaly County Council, and has been delighting and intriguing participants and visitors to the town.
The little studio in its magical courtyard garden has, over its quarter century, been a place for lovers of the arts to congregate and enjoy. It remains firmly committed to this aim. Ad multos annos.
www.tinjugstudio.com