Few organisations founded in 19th-century Ireland have survived unscathed and virtually unchanged into the 21st century. But the Water Colour Society of Ireland, founded in 1870, sails serenely on. Its annual exhibition goes on show to the public for one week from Monday (September 25th) at the Concourse Gallery in Dún Laoghaire County Hall.

This is the largest selling exhibition of watercolours – and one of the biggest national group art shows – in Ireland and features some 290 works. Subjects include landscapes, seascapes, still life, animal and life studies, as well as botanical, floral, architectural and figure work – both traditional representational and contemporary abstract. Prices range from €350 to €850 and the best pieces tend to sell quickly.

The Water Colour Society has had some illustrious members since its inception – among them well-known artists including Jack B Yeats, Mildred Anne Butler, Paul Henry, Walter Frederick Osborne, Rose Barton, Percy French and Harry Clarke. The society, whose president is Liam O’Herlihy, currently has 120 members, based in the Republic as well as in Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland portrait artist Gareth Reid, winner of the Sky Arts Portrait – Artist of the Year 2017, is exhibiting this year as the society’s invited guest artist.

During the week (Monday 25th – Sunday October 1st, 10am-1pm) there will be watercolour demonstrations by exhibiting artists, talks, guided tours and interactive workshops. see watercoloursocietyofireland.ie