Some of Northern Ireland’s finest artists go on a trip to Scarva and Tandragee. The group are painter William Connor, actor Joe Tomelty, painter Padraic Woods (originally from Newry), artist and broadcaster Jim Ryan (who founded Bloomsday with Brian O’Nolan), Herbie Bell of the Bell linen family, historian Aiken McClelland (later Librarian and Archivist at the Ulster Folk Museum), James Ferns and Jimmy Gracey (who founded Blackstaff Press). Aiken McClelland tells them all about the history of the area. 

This is a fascinating film showing some of our greatest artists picking elderberries, having an ice-cream and learning history. They’re having a great day out. After a few drinks they all sing ‘The Sash’ to the tune of the ‘Soldier’s Song’! 

Celebrated for his warm and sympathetic portrayals of working-class life in Ulster, William Conor studied at the Government School of Design in Belfast in the 1890s. Born in the Old Lodge Road area of north Belfast, the son of a wrought-iron worker, his artistic talents were recognized at the early age of ten when a teacher of music, Louis Mantell, noticed the merit of his chalk drawings and arranged for him to attend the College of Art.