Norman Teeling — Irish Artist

Fine Art — En Plein Air & Interiors
GPO Canvas #2

The 1916 Rising

In 1995, An Post, Ireland’s postal service, commissioned artist Norman Teeling to create ten 36″ x 50″ oil-on-canvas paintings commemorating the Easter Rising of 1916. These striking works capture pivotal moments, such as Patrick Pearse proclaiming the Irish Republic outside the General Post Office (GPO) in Dublin, the heart of the rebellion. Displayed in the GPO’s main hall from 1996, the paintings celebrated the Rising’s legacy until the building was refurbished in 2005. Teeling’s vivid canvases remain a powerful tribute to Ireland’s fight for independence.

The GPO was designed in 1814 by Francis Johnston. Neo-classical in architecture, it is one of Dublin’s most imposing edifices. Scars from the gunfire can still be seen in the portico and on the Ionic order columns. The foyer is where the history of The 1916 Rising was displayed in an exquisitely researched sequence of paintings by Norman Teeling.computing-pay

The National Library of Ireland’s online exhibition, The 1916 Rising: Personalities and Perspectives, offers a brilliant overview of the times.

A group of men in a dimly lit room gathered around a table, engaged in a serious discussion, with a lantern casting light on their faces.
The Signing of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic in Liberty Hall, Dublin. The signatories were Thomas J. Clarke, Sean MacDiarmada, P.H. Pearse, James Connolly, Thomas MacDonagh, Eamonn Ceannt and Joseph Plunkett.
Oil painting depicting armed figures during the 1916 Easter Rising in front of the General Post Office, with a tricolor flag and dramatic sunset backdrop.
Freedom fighters outside the GPO, Dublin. Their aspirations not solely for freedom from British rule, but to create an Ireland where all people could be free to accomplish their potential, regardless of their wealth, class or religion.
A painting depicting a historic moment inside the General Post Office in Dublin during the 1916 Rising, featuring figures in period attire, columns, and a small white dog.
Patrick Henry Pearse – Pádraig Anraí Mac Piarais – Commander in Chief of all Republican forces in the field during The Easter Rising, read the Proclamation of the Irish Republic he authored from the steps of the GPO, Dublin.
A painting depicting a soldier raising an Irish flag with the words 'Irish Republic' during a historical moment from the 1916 Easter Rising.
The Irish Republic flag is raised by a volunteer atop the GPO, Dublin.
An artistic depiction of a chaotic scene during the 1916 Rising, featuring armed figures shrouded in smoke and dramatic lighting.
The beginning of the siege, showing the interior of the GPO, Dublin.
An oil painting depicting two figures in military uniforms during a historic moment, with dramatic lighting and abstract elements conveying a sense of action.
Michael Collins returned from London to Ireland and served as aide to Joseph Plunkett in the GPO during Easter week. Afterwards he was interned at Frongoch, north Wales, released at Christmas 1916 and returned again to Ireland. Immediately he set about the rebuilding of the Irish Republican Brotherhood.
A dramatic oil painting depicting soldiers during a tense moment, with figures partially obscured by smoke, capturing the atmosphere of conflict.
James Connolly, commander of the Dublin forces, wounded, being comforted by his comrades at the GPO, Dublin. The words of the Proclamation which “Guarantee equal rights and equal opportunities to all citizens, civil and religious liberty” can be traced directly to the influence of Connolly.
GPO Canvas #8
The burning of the GPO, Dublin. From Thursday 27th April the GPO was entirely cut off from other rebel garrisons. Next day it came under a ferocious artillery attack which also devastated much of central Dublin.
A dramatic oil painting depicting the aftermath of the 1916 Rising outside the General Post Office in Dublin, with figures amidst debris and smoke highlighting the chaos of the event.
The siege of the GPO, Dublin is ended. By Friday 28th April, the 1,600 rebels were facing 20,000 soldiers.
A historical painting depicting a street scene during the 1916 Rising, featuring soldiers and civilians in a bustling Dublin setting.
With the assent of the leadership, Pádraig Pearse surrenders. Saturday 29th April, 1916. Having fought with discipline and skill, they surrendered their stronghold rather than fight to the last volunteer. Pearse would later be elected President of the Provisional Government of Ireland.

“Norman Teeling is as much a part of O’Connell Street now as the GPO.”

~ Veteran RTÉ broadcaster Joe Duffy

In 2015, Teeling had another go at commemorating The Rising, creating more than twenty canvases sized to fit more comfortably over a mantelpiece. These were featured in a very successful, centennial Easter Rising exhibition at The Oriel Gallery, Dublin.