Celebrated illustrator Victor Ambrus will visit Athlone next Tuesday to attend the official opening of Athlone Castle Visitor Centre by Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring.
Mr Ambrus, who is 78 years of age, created the majority of the illustrations on display throughout the castle, which bring the stories and characters of Athlone to life.
A prolific artist, Mr Ambrus has worked on almost 300 books of history and folk tale since he first began his career almost 60 years ago. However, he is probably best known for his work on the Channel 4 archaeology series Time Team, where he illustrates how sites excavated on the television show would have once looked.
Commenting on the artist’s visit, art and heritage guide at Athlone Castle, Mary Bannon, said “We are delighted that Mr Ambrus and his wife Glenys will be here next week for the official opening. It is fantastic to have work by such a well-respected artist on display in the castle. His illustrations are very effective in capturing the essence of people and place and really help to immerse visitors in the stories of Athlone Castle.”
Born in Hungary, Mr Ambrus has won numerous awards for his work including the Kate Greenaway Gold Medal for Illustration, the World Wildlife Fund Prize, and The Royal Academy of Arts, Arts Club Drawing Prize.
Victor Ambrus’ illustrations can be enjoyed by visitors to Athlone Castle Visitor Centre, which is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11am-5pm and Sundays from 12-5pm. For further information see www.athloneartandheritage.ie/athlone-castle
For more information about Victor Ambrus visit www.victorambrus.com
