Famous O'Briens in History
| DERMOD O'BRIEN - (1865-1945) Painter. |
| Born at Mount Trenchard, Foynes, Co. Limerick, grandson of William Smith O'Brien, educated at Harrow and Trinity College of Cambridge, Studied painting at the Academy of Antwerp with Walter Osborne as fellow-pupil, than at the Academic Julian in Paris and the Slade School, London. He returned to Ireland in 1901 and exhibited at the RHA from 1904. Elected RHA 1907, president, RHA, from 1910 to his death. President, United Arts Club and took leading part in cultural life in Dublin. Came to be regarded as the "official" portrait painter of Ireland: besides judges and generals he painted writers, including George Birmingham and Conal O"Biordan. In his last twenty years he spent the winter in the south of France, painting landscapes. He sold the family home, Cahirmoyle, Co. Limerick, in 1920 and settled permanently in Dublin. He greatly encouraged young artists by visiting first exhibitions and buying their work. Died in his house, Fitzwilliam Square, 3 October 1945. |
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