Adderton house commission 2017 - 2019

Catherine McAuley

Oil on linen - H80cm x W100cm SOLD

Foundress Catherine McAuley of the Sisters of Mercy Brisbane Congregation.

Catherine was painted from written descriptions of her and was described as a woman with significant presence. Placed on an uphill path, gesturing towards sunrise on the horizon, Catherine is inviting us to boldly walk rough trails with steady footsteps as she did throughout her life. In the background of the painting are the green hills of Dublin and surrounds where Catherine grew up.

Catherine McAuley Rose

Oil on linen - SOLD

Catherine McAuley

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Catherine McAuley

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Catherine McAuley

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Catherine McAuley

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Catherine McAuley

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Mary Vincent (Ellen) Whitty

Oil on linen - H80cm x W100cm SOLD

The first Queensland Mother Superior, Mary Vincent (Ellen) Whitty.

Ellen at aged 19 was described as graceful with a purposeful expression. She is depicted standing beside the River Staney near her family land Oylegate, County Wexford. Well educated, cultured and devout, Ellen became Mother Superior at the age of 30. She arrived in Brisbane on 10 May 1861.

Southern Magnolia - Ellen Whitty

Oil on linen - SOLD

Mary Vincent (Ellen) Whitty

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Mary Vincent (Ellen) Whitty

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Mary Vincent (Ellen) Whitty

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Mary Vincent (Ellen) Whitty

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Mary Vincent (Ellen) Whitty

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Florence O’Reilly

Oil on linen - H80cm x W100cm SOLD

This portrait shows a young Florence with raging cane fires behind her. She is holding property deeds. Although a single woman, Florence was a major landholder in colonial Queensland. Her most significant gesture was assisting the Sisters to repay the debt from the purchase of Adderton house.

Ulysses Butterfly - Florence O'Reilly

Oil on linen - SOLD

Florence O’Reilly

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Florence O’Reilly

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Florence O’Reilly

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Florence O’Reilly

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Florence O’Reilly

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Jane Gorry

Oil on linen - H80cm x W100cm SOLD

The first Queensland-born sister, Jane Gorry

The young Jane is painted in her home town, standing next to the Bremer River at sunset, with the thriving colonial settlement of Limestone Hill (later Ipswich) in the background. Jane is depicted with an open book, representing both her education by the enlightened Benedictine Sisters of Subiaco in Sydney and a sign of things to come as Jane became a teacher.

Eucalyptus Curtisii - Jane Gorry

Oil on linen - SOLD

Jane Gorry

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Jane Gorry

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Jane Gorry

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Jane Gorry

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Jane Gorry

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Artist: Megan Seres
24 August 2019 – 7 November 2020 | Mary Vincent’s Parlour

Meet four women of mercy whose fascinating lives impacted greatly on the Sisters of Mercy stories and ministry in Queensland. Their stories are told beautifully through oil portraits by artist Megan Seres.

Megan Seres has interpreted numerous descriptions and images to reimage Catherine, Ellen, Florence and Jane as young women, revealing the optimism and determination that characterised all four and led to the formation of the foundations of education, healthcare and welfare services throughout Queensland.

Take time to absorb the stories of: Sisters of Mercy foundress, Catherine McAuley; the first Queensland Mother Superior, Mary Vincent (Ellen) Whitty; benefactress, Florence O’Reilly and the first Queensland-born sister, Jane Gorry. Adderton

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