On Growing Old - Harry McMahon Retrospective at Flowerfield Arts Centre

What to Expect

On Growing Old is a retrospective exhibition of painter Harry McMahon’s work, showing at Flowerfield Arts Centre in Portstewart from 13 September to 25 October 2026. The show traces McMahon’s development across seven distinct periods, from his early amateur work in oils through watercolours and formal art education, into more recent pieces that bring in abstraction, science, mathematics and surrealism. The retrospective runs from his earliest phase, Tentative Steps, covering 1968 to 1979, through to his most recent body of work, Still Growing, made between 2023 and 2025. McMahon, a retired Ulster University professor, frames the show around his own reflection that he started growing old in May 1937 but did not start feeling old until May 2023. The exhibition launches on Saturday 13 September at 12 noon, and McMahon leads two free Walk and Talk guided tours through the show, on Thursday 2 October from 7pm to 8pm and Saturday 11 October from 11am to 12 noon, with no booking required for either.

Flowerfield Arts Centre is Portstewart’s dedicated creative hub, run by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, with a purpose built gallery, pottery studio and 150 seat auditorium in a converted Georgian building on the Coleraine Road.

Good to Know

• Runs 13 September to 25 October 2026 at Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart.
• Launch Saturday 13 September at 12 noon.
• Artist led Walk and Talk tours on 2 October (7pm to 8pm) and 11 October (11am to 12 noon), free, no booking needed.
• Admission to view the exhibition is free.
• Opening hours are Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5pm, with an extra evening slot 7pm to 9pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and Saturday 10am to 1pm. Closed Sundays.
• Call 028 7083 1400 or email info@flowerfield.org for accessibility information.

Getting There

Flowerfield sits on the Coleraine Road on the edge of Portstewart, a short drive or bus ride from the town centre.