No Words

The present lot was probably conceived in 1975 as part of the Banner series. During this period, McWilliam was also working on a group of bronzes called Women of Belfast: in this series he depicted female figures in various vigorous and theatrical poses, often falling or running. They can be recognised for their clothing, which is usually flapping around them. The present lot belongs to the Banner series, in which the figures are holding a banner with one or several words written on the back. A similar piece (sold Christie's, London, 26 May 1995, lot 135) has the word HELP written across the figures' backs, just as the present work is inscribed with NO WORDS. This series demonstrates McWilliam's reaction to the political unrest and Peace rallies being held in Northern Ireland and London in the 1970s.