Born in Dublin, Heron studied at the National College of Art, where she won the Taylor Scholarship three years in succession, 1944-46, one of only three students to do so since its inception. As a sculptor, she was inspired by Barbar Hepworth and Henry Moore. In 1943 she exhibited at the first Irish Exhibition of Living Art. In 1948 she won the Mainie Jellett memorial Scholarship awarded by the Living Art Exhibition Committee which enabled her to spend the greater part of that year in France and
Italy.
She held solo shows at The Victor Waddington Galleries in 1950 & 1953 later exhibiting with him in London. In 1956, at the Venice Biennale, she represented Ireland along with Louis le Brocquy. A friend of Elizabeth Frink (1930-93) since they met in the 1950’s Hilary saw a great deal of her when she went to live in London in 1959, sharing accommodation at 28 Cranley Gardens, South Kensington. Elizabeth Frink lent her a studio, and later visited her in Ireland on several occasions. The Irish Museum of Modern Art, The Arts council and the Ulster Museum house examples of her work.
Hilary Heron's work featured in Adam's loan exhibition 'Irish Women Artists: 1870-1970' (2014). Please click here to view the catalogue.
Heron's work was also included in:
'A Celebration of Irish Art and Modernism' (2011). Please click here to view the catalogue.
'Gerard Dillon: Art and Friendships' (2013). Please click here to view the catalogue.
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