Larne Museum & Arts Centre is currently hosting a series of events in honour of the 40th anniversary commemorating the life of John Clifford, a local man who served as the inaugural curator of Larne Museum. John Clifford sadly passed away on the 8th of October in 1983. In the wake of his passing, the Larne & District Folklore Society published a collection of his poems titled ‘Poems of John Clifford.’ His close friend, Sam Cross, aptly described him as a poetic luminary in the East Antrim region for over half a century, where he held the esteemed title of ‘King of the Country Bards.’

This exhibition has been specially commissioned to delve into the life and legacy of John Clifford, who served as the first curator of what is now known as the Larne Museum, previously named the Larne & District Historical Centre. Thrilled to have been commissioned by Larne Museum to conceptualize, produce, and present this exhibition, along with the publication of the ‘John Clifford POEMS’ booklet.