Century-Old Portrait of Dinsmore Sisters Returns to Ballymena Heritage Collection

A century-old portrait of sisters Anna and Rosemary Dinsmore has been donated to Mid-Antrim Museum in Ballymena.

Painted in 1919 by renowned artist Herbert James Draper, the portrait has strong links to the history of Ballymena and Kells.

The painting will now undergo conservation work before going on public display in 2027.

Historic Dinsmore Sisters Portrait Returns to Ballymena

A Dinsmore sisters portrait painted more than a century ago has returned to the local area after being donated to Mid-Antrim Museum in Ballymena.

The 1919 portrait depicts sisters Anna and Rosemary Dinsmore, who were aged 19 and eight at the time.

It was painted by renowned Victorian Neoclassical artist Herbert James Draper and provides a glimpse into the lives of one of the area’s prominent families during the early 20th century.

Mrs Clover Bell officially presented the painting to the museum on Thursday, 13 August.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, accepted the donation in memory of Mrs Bell’s late husband, Mr Nelson Bell.

Read the original Mid and East Antrim Borough Council announcement

Painting Acquired From the Dinsmore Family

Mr Bell operated the Bell Gallery in Belfast and made a significant contribution to the visual arts in Ireland during his career.

He had acquired the painting from the Dinsmore family.

Mrs Anne Stewart, a former curator of art at the Ulster Museum, also attended the presentation.

She knew of the portrait from when it was in the Dinsmore family home, which she had visited as a child.

Dinsmore Family Has Deep Links to Ballymena and Kells

The Dinsmore family has a long connection with Ballymena and Kells.

Its history is closely linked to the area’s industrial, business and cultural development.

The family’s connection with Kells dates back to 1807, when Francis Dinsmore purchased the village mill.

Over the following two centuries, the business developed and modernised.

It remains family-owned today as a fabric dyeing and finishing company producing high-quality and durable products.

The Dinsmore family also restored Greenfield House in Kells in 1914 and operated the Old Green Woollen Mills.

Anna and Rosemary’s grandparents lived at Crebilly House.

Explore the Northern Ireland Online Ballymena local guide

Anna and Rosemary Dinsmore Were Accomplished Singers

Anna and Rosemary were also well known locally for their musical talents.

Both were accomplished singers and won the Mrs Hood Cup in Ballymena for Female Vocal Solo.

Anna won the competition in 1919, the same year the portrait was painted.

Rosemary won the award a decade later in 1929.

The portrait therefore represents more than the appearance of two young women.

It provides a window into the lives, achievements and surroundings of a prominent local family at the beginning of the 20th century.

Mayor Welcomes Museum Donation

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, welcomed the portrait’s return to the local heritage collection.

He said:

“Our museums preserve our local history and make it accessible to all ages. This portrait is a wonderful addition to the museum collection, providing opportunities to learn about art and local history for generations to come.”

Portrait Will Go on Public Display in 2027

The painting will now undergo conservation work before going on public display in 2027.

Visitors will then have the opportunity to see the Dinsmore sisters portrait and discover more about the family and the community in which they lived.

Find out more about Mid-Antrim Museum and local museums

For further information about Mid-Antrim Museum, email:

BraidMuseum@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

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