The People's Painters

William Conor is one of Northern Ireland's best-known and most-loved artists. Born in north Belfast in 1881, Conor was often seen in and around the Shankill area, sketching the locals as they went about their day. A lot of his work was produced during the first half of the 20th century as he travelled around Ulster capturing scenes of life and society in his sketch books and canvases. Fifty years after his death, a group of amateur painters are challenged to recreate modern-day interpretations of his works. From more than one hundred applicants, five were selected to compete. Over the course of three episodes, the group study Conor and then create their own contemporary interpretations of his three favourite themes: work, everyday life, and portraiture, with two experts selecting which piece most closely channels Conor's style and ethos. However, only one can claim the ultimate prize of hanging alongside Conor's masterpieces in a gala exhibition. … MORE