Harry Durdin Robertson

Biography

Born in 1985 in County Wexford, Ireland, the artist was raised in a deeply creative environment. Both of his parents were practicing artists, and his upbringing was immersed in a world that valued artistic expression, cultural heritage, and the pursuit of beauty. This early exposure to the arts laid a strong foundation for what would become a lifelong vocation.

His family is closely connected to Huntington Castle in County Carlow, a historic estate long associated with Irish cultural and spiritual life. The artist’s lineage ties him to this storied property, which continues to inspire his work through its architectural elegance, lush natural surroundings, and mystical atmosphere. Huntington Castle has served not only as a family home but as a backdrop for artistic contemplation and creation, often reflected in the atmospheric quality of his work.

Educated at Headfort School and later Clongowes Wood College, the artist benefited from a classical education in some of Ireland’s most respected institutions. In 2005, he moved to Florence, Italy, to undertake formal training under American painter Rebecca Harp, whose atelier is steeped in the traditions of classical realism. Over three years (2005–2008), he developed a strong technical foundation and a deep appreciation for the European masters.

Now working primarily between Ireland and the UK, his practice has expanded in recent years to include the Middle East, where he was invited by the Embassy of Ireland in Riyadh to exhibit his work — an important milestone that marked the growing international recognition of his art.

His style is informed by a rich blend of influences, notably Edward Hopper, John Singer Sargent, Ilya Repin, Isaak Levitan, and Diego Velázquez. This diverse artistic lineage manifests in a body of work that balances realism and atmosphere, often characterized by a quiet emotional resonance and a strong sense of place.

The artist’s paintings are held in private collections and galleries around the world, and he is proudly represented by The Oriel Gallery in Dublin, Ireland’s longest-established independent gallery.