I’D UPSET HUGH 11 MANY IN DAIL...
Celeb architect: my honesty rules out career in politics
CELEBRITY architect Hugh Wallace has said he would never consider a career in politics — saying he would upset too many people.
The outspoken star, who hosts Home Of The Year and The Great House Revival on RTE One, is no stranger to giving opinions on people’s taste in their homes.
But Hugh said he has no plans for a new career in politics.
He explained to The Irish Star: “No. I’d last about a quarter of an hour. I’d upset somebody and I would say it as it is, and I’d give them a six and they would get emotionally upset.”
Thousands have been tuning into the two RTE shows over the last few weeks, but Hugh said he never worries about ratings, despite 76,000 viewers tuning out of the Great House Revival on Easter Sunday.
Ratings
He said: “That’s Easter. No, the ratings are great and I can tell you that by people coming up to me.
“They didn’t tune out, they just didn’t tune in. The funny thing with the Great House Revival, a lot of people record that and in fact it is a day or two days later that they look at it.
“I’m very lucky with the two shows and the two shows are really nice because it is not about catching people out, it’s actually trying to assist them or support them or make a suggestion.
“That to me is great. There is no bad language, nastiness… nothing,” he said.
Hugh was speaking at the launch of the Incognito art sale in aid of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation at the RHA Gallery.
What makes Incognito so special is that buyers have absolutely no idea of the artist behind their chosen artwork, until after the sale has closed.
Hugh said: “I love art because it makes you smile. It tells a story. Today, in the world of architecture, because of technology, architects don’t have to draw any more, which I think is such a shame.
“Back in my day, in college, we even had to use watercolours in class, which I loved. I still love to draw and doodle.
“It’s amazing watching the craft of creativity in being able to actually draw with a pencil a three-dimensional representation of what your brain is thinking.
DOESN’T HOLD BACK: Hugh Wallace
“With Incognito, I love the idea of being able to buy someone’s creativity, imagination and thought in lovely little postcards. In time, you can even build up your own collection of artworks, which is super.”
Among the stars taking part in 2024 are iconic model and actress, Jerry Hall, comedian Colin Murphy, fashion designers Helen Steele, Heidi Higgins and Simone Rocha, milliner Philip Treacy, jewellery designer Chupi Sweetman and singer Brian Kennedy.
With more than 1,200 artists lending their support to Incognito this year, some of the well-known names who have taken up their brushes for a great cause include Martin Mooney, Bridget Flinn, Martin Gale, Fergus Martin and Ruthie Ashenhurst.