Brian Merry

Brian Merry was a Dublin artist, originally of Bray but moving to Shankill for a significant period of time. Raised by his grandmother from an early age at upper Mount Street, he attended a Christian Brothers school on Leeson street in his youth. During his time at school he was a great sportsman, excelling particularly in athletics. However, it was his artistic talents that followed Brian Merry through to adulthood.

After school, Merry studied in art school where he found both a passion for graphic design, and his life long partner in his wife, Mary Reynolds. His eye for bold colours and impact came into play considerably while working for RTE, as he was part of the graphics team for the News & Features Department. Merry followed up his work in RTE by lecturing in DIT. It is, however, his work in the mediums of painting and sketching that Merry is best known. His work is eye-catching and easily identifiable amongst a group of his contemporaries. Merry’s works often focus on the vibrance of life; be that the high energy of horseracing, the intense atmosphere of a circus tent, or the natural movement of a nude body. 

Brian Merry passed away peacefully on october 19th 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife Mary, his five children and his grandchildren. He will be remembered in his vivacious works that reflect the colour he brought to life