The iconic Glebe House and Gallery in Gartan will be explored in the final episode of the ‘Legacy’ series on RTE One this Sunday.
Legacy is a four-part series featuring fifteen of Ireland’s national historic properties.
The final episode is themed on the art of the portrait and takes viewers to the Glebe House to celebrate the work of Derek Hill.
Built in 1828, the Glebe House was bought by British landscape artist and portrait painter Derek Hill in 1954, and became his home and studio.
Hill was a talented and sought after artist who painted prominent figures such as the Prince of Wales and Noël Coward and also the local Donegal people he befriended.
The Glebe House also became home to Hill’s eclectic collection of art, furniture and artefacts from his world travels, including works by Picasso and Jack B. Yeats. Keen that future generations would be able to enjoy his collection, Hill donated his house and its contents to the nation in 1987, and it became a museum and art gallery.
Derek Hill was made an honorary Irish citizen in 1999, the year before he died.
Richard Noble, photographer and friend of Derek Hill will be contributing to the segment.
Áras an Uachtaráin, Dublin Castle and Kilkenny Castle will also be featured in this Sunday’s episode.
The National Historic Properties portfolio is one of the most interesting property portfolios in Ireland.
Owned by the State, and managed by the Office of Public Works, it’s a fascinating and diverse collection of castles, country houses, memorial sites and gardens, consisting of thirty two historic properties that are open to the public.
Many of these properties were given to the State as gifts, some were bought by the State, and others, including Áras an Uachtaráin and Dublin Castle, came into the State’s possession when Ireland gained independence in 1922.
LEGACY is produced and directed by David Hare for InProductionTV and made with the support of the Office of Public Works.
Watch on Sunday June 1st 2025, RTÉ One, 6.30pm
