In memory of Robert Harris (1946-2024)
In the recent sudden and tragic death of Robert Harris, joint founder of the Ballydehob Arts Museum / BAM, Ballydehob has lost a person who embodied a remarkably wide vision of just what one person can do to enrich the place and the community in which they live. Robert was active in many fields, running with his partner Finola the blog Roaringwater Journal, constantly on the move across the landscape, exploring and discovering the features of the environment around us, and bringing his enthusiasms to an ever-increasing readership from Rossbrin to cyberspace. In BAM, not only did Robert generously fund the running of the Museum’s annual exhibitions at Bank House, he brought his humour and considerable graphic skill to bear on the presentation of BAM’s exhibitions.The storyboards which Robert prepared for the shows were an entertaining amalgam of scholarship, fact and sophisticated visual presentation. In BAM we are deeply grateful to Robert for the energy and enthusiasm he brought to every aspect of its activities and contributing to the creation of a significant cultural institution. Indeed he will be missed.
-Brian Lalor, Curator
Where would we be without the Ballydehob & Area Community Council? BACC helped obtain and are responsible for the running Bank House, for the benefit in perpetuity of the village. BAM is proud to call Bank House home.
Sincere gratitude to our donors. Every piece of art and craft work have been generously donated to the Museum’s permanent collection. A digital data base is being developed and a list of donor’s is displayed in BAM.
Thanks to Cork County Council for grant assistance.
Particular thanks to Alison Ospina who researched the history of the West Cork artists’ community and wrote the book West Cork Inspires, published by Stobart Davies in 2011. This provided invaluable information and excellent background for the establishment of the museum.
Founding members of the Ballydehob Community Council Bank House Project Visual Arts Committee repsonsible for getting the Museum up and running: Stephen Canty, Robert Harris, Brian Lalor, Jason Lee, Eugene McSweeney, Alison Ospina, William Swanton
Website built by Robert Harris and currently maintained by Sarah Canty
All photos on this site are credited to Robert Harris or Finola Finlay unless otherwise noted.
Ⓒ BAM 2022
Ballydehob Arts Museum 