History
Founding Years
Backwater Artists Group was established in 1990 by four graduates of Crawford College of Art & Design — Deirdra Nolan, Tina Cronin, Éilis Ní Fhaoláin and Christopher Samuels. Inspired by the pioneering Cork Artists Collective, they set out to create a shared studio model that would allow artists to sustain professional practice within the city.
The group began in a cold and draughty warehouse on Back Watercourse Road in Blackpool in 1989. At that time, Cork’s arts infrastructure was still in its early stages of development, and the idea of a long-term, artist-led studio complex was far from guaranteed.
In 1990, the group rented space at Watercourse Road Industrial Estate. A year later they moved to 12 Pine Street and 3 Devonshire Street, expanding capacity to 30 artists. From there, the focus shifted toward securing a permanent home.
Securing Wandesford Quay
In 1995, representations were made to Cork Corporation to acquire a permanent building. The City Manager agreed to assist in purchasing a premises that would house both Backwater Artists Group and Cork Printmakers, subject to renovation funding from the Arts Council and the Department of Arts, Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
A building was identified and, in 1997, Minister Michael D. Higgins announced the success of a CDIS funding application. With additional support from the Arts Council, renovations were completed and, by 1999, the studios at Wandesford Quay opened.
A 99-year lease negotiated with Cork City Council ensured long-term security for the organisation — a decision that continues to underpin Backwater’s stability and development.
The Building
Wandesford Quay is a former warehouse dating from approximately 1842–1852. Originally constructed as a grain store — likely serving the nearby distillery — the building later functioned as a timber yard and Coleman’s Printers.
In 1998, Cork City Council acquired the building in exchange for land in Mahon. Funding from the Arts Council, the Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, and Cork City Council enabled its conversion into artists’ studios, a print workshop and gallery.
Architect Jack Coughlan oversaw the sensitive restoration of the listed structure, preserving original features including cast iron beams and columns, arched doors and pulley systems. The distinctive “Blessed Virgin Blue” façade was selected to complement the sandstone exterior.
The site, now known as the Wandesford Quay Complex, is shared by Backwater Artists Group, Cork Printmakers and The Lavit Gallery. The courtyard includes a public artwork by Harry Moore and continues to host artistic projects and events.
The area also sits above the historic site of the 13th-century Dominican friary of St. Mary de Lusula, later known as St. Mary’s of the Isle, adding further historical significance to the location.