Legacy of beloved Derry art teacher celebrated in special studio auction
Family of the late Maire Mullan invites former pupils from St Cecilia’s and St Brigid’s to view final collection of 198 artworks.
The family of the late Derry-born artist and celebrated art teacher, Maire Mullan, has announced a dedicated studio sale of her remaining artworks.
Running from November 5–12, 2026, via Ross’s Auctioneers in Belfast, the sale offers a unique opportunity for the Derry community, former students, and art lovers to celebrate and preserve her rich creative legacy.
Featuring approximately 198 individual artworks, the collection showcases the incredible breadth of a woman who dedicated her life to creative education before fully flourishing as an independent exhibiting artist in her retirement.
Maire spent the majority of her esteemed teaching career in Derry, inspiring generations of young people at St Cecilia’s College and Carnhill High School (St Brigid’s High School). Her family is now extending a warm invitation to anyone who remembers her as a teacher, colleague, or friend, as well as anyone who already cherishes one of her paintings in their home.
"For us, this is about much more than the auction itself," her family shared. "It is an opportunity to celebrate Mum’s life and artistic legacy, and hopefully see her paintings find new homes where they will be truly appreciated. We would particularly love to reach people across Derry who remember Mum or were inspired by her."
Working between her homes in Derry and Ballyliffin, County Donegal, Maire developed a highly distinctive, expressive style.
Deeply inspired by the rugged landscapes and dramatic coastlines of the north-west of Ireland, her diverse body of work spans multiple mediums, including oils, watercolours, pastels, batik, iconography, and mixed media. Her paintings encompass everything from vivid seascapes and floral studies to portraiture and striking semi-abstract compositions, all tied together by her confident, trademark use of colour.
During her lifetime, Maire was an active exhibitor across the region, showcasing work at Derry’s Shipquay Gallery, Ace of Arts in Letterkenny, and the Glebe Gallery in County Donegal. Notably, she also produced the original drawings for the Colmcille Wood Sculpture Project as part of Derry's historic 2013 UK City of Culture programme. Following her passing in 2022, her remaining private studio collection was left to her family.
As many of her pieces were sold during her lifetime through private commissions and galleries, this upcoming auction represents a final, exclusive look into her lifelong artistic journey.
The Maire Mullan Studio Sale will go live on Thursday, November 5, 2026, and close on Thursday, November 12, 2026. The full catalogue will be available to view and bid on via the Ross’s Auctioneers website.