© 2024 Noelle Ferris - Felt Artist
This felt painting is inspired by the Silent Valley. Living so close to this as a child, many Sunday afternoons were spent walking here and feeding the ducks. It is a truly beautiful and peaceful place.
The Silent Valley earned its name from the deafening silence that followed the continuous blasting during the construction of the dam, which drove away the once abundant birdlife.
Constructed between 1923 and 1933, the reservoir was a monumental undertaking that involved a workforce of over 1,000 men. Tragically, nine lives were lost during its construction. From 1947 to 1951, an additional 150 men worked tirelessly to tunnel beneath Slieve Binnian, including my grandfather, Sandy Heaney. Remarkably, he had the unique experience of working at both ends of the tunnel and eventually became a Shift Boss on the Silent Valley Heading. This tunnel was crucial in carrying water from the Annalong valley to the Silent Valley Dam, meeting the ever-growing demands for Belfast’s water supply. Presently, it serves as a primary water source for County Down, surrounding areas, and much of Belfast.
As the century is marked this year (2023) since the commencement of the reservoir’s construction, we can be grateful that the birds and other wildlife have returned to this thriving ecosystem. The Silent Valley stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the power of nature’s resilience.
This piece has been professionally framed and is glazed with Art glass.
Frame dimensions: 16½”″x 14″ x 1 ½ ” ( 42.5 x 35 x 4 cm).
Frame colour: Off-white.
** PLEASE NOTE: THIS ORIGINAL FELT PAINTING CAN ONLY BE DELIVERED TO A REPUBLIC OF IRELAND OR A NORTHERN IRELAND ADDRESS. **
** IT CAN ALSO BE SELECTED FOR LOCAL PICKUP IN CORK CITY **
Please note that limited edition prints have been made from this original.
This felt painting is inspired by the Silent Valley. Living so close to this as a child, many Sunday afternoons were spent walking here and feeding the ducks. It is a truly beautiful and peaceful place.
The Silent Valley earned its name from the deafening silence that followed the continuous blasting during the construction of the dam, which drove away the once abundant birdlife.
Constructed between 1923 and 1933, the reservoir was a monumental undertaking that involved a workforce of over 1,000 men. Tragically, nine lives were lost during its construction. From 1947 to 1951, an additional 150 men worked tirelessly to tunnel beneath Slieve Binnian, including my grandfather, Sandy Heaney. Remarkably, he had the unique experience of working at both ends of the tunnel and eventually became a Shift Boss on the Silent Valley Heading. This tunnel was crucial in carrying water from the Annalong valley to the Silent Valley Dam, meeting the ever-growing demands for Belfast’s water supply. Presently, it serves as a primary water source for County Down, surrounding areas, and much of Belfast.
As the century is marked this year (2023) since the commencement of the reservoir’s construction, we can be grateful that the birds and other wildlife have returned to this thriving ecosystem. The Silent Valley stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the power of nature’s resilience.
This piece has been professionally framed and is glazed with Art glass.
Frame dimensions: 16½”″x 14″.
Frame depth: approximately 1 ½.
Frame colour: Off-white.
** PLEASE NOTE: THIS ORIGINAL FELT PAINTING CAN ONLY BE DELIVERED TO A REPUBLIC OF IRELAND OR A NORTHERN IRELAND ADDRESS. **
** IT CAN ALSO BE SELECTED FOR LOCAL PICKUP IN CORK CITY **
Please note that limited edition prints have been made from this original.
€860.00
© 2024 Noelle Ferris - Felt Artist