King Charles and Queen Camilla visited Commercial Court in the historic Half Bap area of Belfast’s bustling Cathedral Quarter this afternoon on their first stop of today’s royal visit to Northern Ireland.
With baskets of spring daffodils in bloom and the colourful umbrellas illuminated overhead, The King and Queen were treated to an intimate tour of one of the city’s most iconic streets.
The royal couple quickly found truth in the message ‘life imitates art, more than art imitates life’, which beams in striking yellow neon lights above the tunnel leading to the satirical mural adorned poetry courtyard off Commercial Court.
Their majesties were given a preview of a new exhibition of portraits of local Half Bap workers in the nearby Sea Holly Gallery, featuring an array of local workers and creatives, before meeting some of those immortalised in the portraits in real life, and an eclectic array of characters that are part of the local creative community.
Commissioned by publicans Willie and Joanne Jack, to pay tribute to the vast array of people that have contributed to the vibrancy of life in and around the cobbled streets of Commercial Court and Hill Street, the portraits were painted by local artist Ciaran Gallagher – a long-time collaborator with the couple, responsible for many of the murals painted in the area.
Commenting on the exhibition, and the eclectic array of local characters that turned out to greet the King and Queen, Willie Jack said: “Our vision for this area has always been one of hope. Given our difficult past, we were driven to create a beautiful, safe, inclusive and stimulating environment and a community for all to flourish, in keeping with the city’s motto ‘Pro Tanto Quid Retribuamus.’ Which means ‘what shall we give in return for so much.’
“Today, Commercial Court is the heart of a cultural hub in which artists, poets, authors, musicians, muralists, designers, creatives, architects, writers and journalists are inspired to develop, hone their crafts and build their careers.”
Joanne Jack added: “It was our honour to introduce King Charles and Queen Camilla to some of the creatives and hard-working local workers that share our vision for this place.
“Musicians and makers work alongside creatives and chefs, and everyday workers, window cleaners, painters, sign makers and gardeners to create a space in our city that encourages people to thrive. Our staff, and our valued community of collaborators and neighbouring businesses are like family to us. It fills us with great pride that this is one of Belfast’s most visited and photographed streets, and this new exhibition, will pay homage to the people, from various walks of life, that make this a part of the city of which we can all be immensely proud.”
It’s anticipated the exhibition will open to the public in October, when the last of the commissions are complete. The project is one of several final projects planned by Willie Jack as he plans to retire within the next few years.