Scenes from various corners of the globe adorn the walls of Devenish Gallery and Framing Workshop, a hub nestled in the heart of Enniskillen whose artistry has transcended local boundaries. Despite its central location, the gallery’s reach extends worldwide, facilitated by a combination of a physical gallery at Forthill Street and a robust online presence, expertly managed by Colin and Eileen Burns.

The diverse collection housed at Forthill Street encompasses works capturing the scenic beauty of Fermanagh alongside abstract pieces that have become globetrotters in their own right.

The Burns say the crucial role of online sales, acknowledging that, in the current art market landscape, a significant online presence is indispensable for success.

Mr. Burns reflected on the challenging financial climate faced by businesses and stated: “You can’t make a lot on art at the moment unless you have a big presence online.”

Highlighting the gallery’s international clientele, Mr. Burns shared: “We have sold stuff to Switzerland and Australia; that is only in recent years.” This global engagement underscores the transformative power of online platforms, allowing art enthusiasts worldwide to connect with and acquire pieces from this Enniskillen gem.

In a testament to the gallery’s ability to seamlessly traverse vast distances, the most recent noteworthy shipment was a carefully framed rugby shirt destined for New Zealand. Despite the considerable journey, the framed artifact arrived unscathed within an impressive 48-hour timeframe, with the glass perfectly intact.

‘Economic climate’

Recognising art as a luxury commodity, the couple openly acknowledge the influence of economic conditions on their clientele. Mr. Burns underscored this reality: “The economic climate determines everything. We have a lot of people coming in for presents for people living in Fermanagh.”

Typically, these sought-after items manifest as prints or posters featuring iconic Fermanagh scenes by renowned artists like David Coulter, Frances Morris, or Elizabeth Chalmers, or etchings crafted by Gordon Miles — oftentimes replacing the acquisition of an original piece.

Mr. Coulter, whose work enjoys popularity in the shop, has not only seen his original artworks acquired by the House of Lords but also witnessed the Devenish Gallery and Frameworks handle the distribution of print runs.

Detailing this connection, Mr. Burns explained: “The House of Lords bought a piece of his with the two spires [St. Macartan’s Cathedral and St. Michael’s Church], and we now produce them as posters. Since then, Brian has sold three or four pieces to the House of Lords.”

Reflecting on the gallery’s early days, the couple recalls the initial intrigue it generated. Mrs. Burns shared: “People were saying, ‘Oh, what’s going on there?’ but that was mostly the framing before it [the gallery aspect] got the kick-off.”

On the ongoing significance of framing in their business, especially within the local community, Mrs. Burns highlighted its enduring role in shaping the Devenish Gallery and Frameworks.“The framing was my love – I used to go back and forward to different shows in London to see the latest thing people can get, and all that.

“The framing is still a big part of the business. We buy a lot from a Swiss company, and their wood is just perfect – it is top of the range.

“I hate cheap wood – framing can make or destroy a piece.”

Mr. Burns added: “Framing is a consumer business, while art is a more person-to-person business; you often have to negotiate.

“No two people want the same thing, and it adds to your own interest.”

When asked about current trends in the art world or if certain styles cycle in and out of public favour, Mr. Burns explained: “There is not really a cycle.

“We cover all bases; we try to have watercolours, original art, oils, we don’t have as much charcoal [as we used to], but we had a girl who did a lot of charcoal drawings.

“Irish people like pastoral scenes; we tend to introduce new people who are just starting and getting into the programme [of selling art].

“That’s where we sell most, [work valued] up to £500 or so.”

Sourcing art for sale is another issue entirely, but there is a simple philosophy of aestheticism. “We go for art for art’s sake; if we like the work, we take it on; if we like it, we buy it,” said Mr. Burns.

Mrs. Burns added: “Artists have a hard time making a living; in the current climate it’s almost impossible.”

There is often an interest from artists to be able to display their work in the popular gallery space.

“We have fabulous people who want to display. A lot of people would come in [enquiring],” explained Mrs. Burns.

Exhibition

A great highlight for the couple and their customer base is the Fermanagh Live festival where they have been privileged to host an exhibition, often of artists associated with the area.

When the festival was last held, in 2022, they hosted an exhibition featuring the works of Enniskillen-born artist Liam Blake; Polish artist Anna Cieplucha, who now lives in Fermanagh; and Catherine Keogh, who is based at Boa Island.

The couple are positive about the future of the business while keeping an eye on the past. They noted that small-scale restoration of works is now an increasingly popular service.

Mr. Burns concluded with a smile: “We are a one-stop shop.”