Michael Viney: 20 of his finest drawings and paintings from a 60-year career

As well as being a master of words, the late journalist produced all his own illustrations, inspired by the Mayo landscape

Basking shark by Michael Viney
Basking shark by Michael Viney

The Irish Times journalist Michael Viney, who has died, worked for the newspaper for more than 60 years, and was best known for his Another Life column. From Brighton in England, he moved to Dublin in the 1960s and to Co Mayo in the 1970s. The column described his life in Mayo, with his wife Ethna and daughter Michele, and their interactions with nature and the environment. It appeared weekly from 1977 to 2022 – and was one of the longest running columns in the world.

But he wasn’t just a writer. He also created all his own illustrations, drawings and paintings, inspired by the Mayo landscape. Here is a selection.

Mating frogs by Michael Viney
Mating frogs by Michael Viney
Shannon floods by Michael Viney
Shannon floods by Michael Viney
Rolling hills by Michael Viney
Rolling hills by Michael Viney
Swallows by Michael Viney
Swallows by Michael Viney
Stream at the ford by Michael Viney
Stream at the ford by Michael Viney
Gathering truf by Michael Viney
Gathering truf by Michael Viney
Ivy on trees by Michael Viney
Ivy on trees by Michael Viney
Loggerhead turtle by Michael Viney
Loggerhead turtle by Michael Viney
Orca whales by Michael Viney
Orca whales by Michael Viney
Swans in flight by Michael Viney
Swans in flight by Michael Viney
A wren by Michael Viney
A wren by Michael Viney
Ewes grazing in field by Michael Viney
Ewes grazing in field by Michael Viney
Edible crab by Michael Viney
Edible crab by Michael Viney
Peregrine hawk by Michael Viney
Peregrine hawk by Michael Viney
View towards Inishturk by Michael Viney
View towards Inishturk by Michael Viney
Hedgehog by Michael Viney
Hedgehog by Michael Viney
Brids in flight by Michael Viney
Brids in flight by Michael Viney
Swallows by Michael Viney
Swallows by Michael Viney