We are sorry to convey the very sad news that our esteemed former colleague and continual friend Bill Penney passed away on Friday 22nd April.
Bill was an art college person through and through, from his own student days at the then Ulster Polytechnic, followed by post-graduate studies at the Slade School of Art in London, through to his returning to lecture in Fine Art Printmaking at Ulster University, a post which he retired from in 2019.
As an artist, tutor and colleague, Bill continued to be a big part of the life of the Fine Art Printmaking department, even following his retirement. He really couldn't stay away, valuing as he did the very best things about art college life...serious creativity, fun, sharing knowledge, and the fullest of commitment to the artistic life. It was always a pleasure to see him back in the workshops.
The recent Prints for Ukrainian Aid, produced by Fine Art staff at Belfast School of Art, could not have happened without Bill's expertise. It is fitting that it was one of the last things he did with us, as it illustrated so well Bill's generosity, energy and 'never say no' spirit. When he was approached to help steer the project of making the prints, he immediately said "Yes! I need a project! I'll start prepping the screens tomorrow!"
RIP Bill, you are an irreplaceable force in the art life of the university and Belfast School of Art.