Arnold Felix Graves facts for kids

Arnold Felix Graves (born November 17, 1847 – died May 24, 1930) was an Irish poet, songwriter, and novelist. He is best known for his important work in setting up and improving technical education in Ireland.

Arnold Graves' Early Life and Education

Arnold Graves was born in Dublin, Ireland. His father was Charles Graves, who was a bishop. Arnold went to school at Windermere College and then studied at Trinity College Dublin. He was very good at his studies and also enjoyed sports during his time at Trinity College. After college, he studied to become a lawyer from 1872 to 1879.

Making a Difference in Education

Arnold Graves was very dedicated to improving education, especially practical skills.

Helping Schools Grow

In 1879, he became a Secretary for schools that received special funding. Later, in 1886, he became Secretary for charitable groups in Ireland. He worked hard to bring technical education to Ireland. This type of education teaches students practical skills for jobs, like engineering or trades. He also helped start the Royal Society for the Training and Employment of Women.

Opening New Colleges

Graves was a key person in opening the Kevin Street Technical College in 1887. This college later became part of the Dublin Institute of Technology and is now the Technological University Dublin. He made sure this school was successful and helped create other technical schools too. For example, the Ringsend Technical school opened in 1893, and more schools were set up in Galway and Limerick.

Changing Education Laws

In 1893, Graves started the Technical Education Association of Ireland. This group worked to get a new law passed called the Technical Instruction Act of 1899. This law created a system of technical schools run by local governments. By 1902, every local area had adopted this law. This was a huge step and laid the groundwork for future education laws in Ireland.

Arnold Graves also presented his ideas for practical education to a special group called the Belmore Commission in 1898. His ideas were accepted and led to new rules and lessons for national schools across Ireland. Because of all his efforts, many people call him "the father of technical education in Ireland."

Other Interests

Besides his work in education, Arnold Graves was also interested in sports. In 1877, he was one of the ten people who helped start the Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club. This is one of the oldest tennis clubs in the world!

He also wrote books, including a novel called Prince Patrick (1898) and a play titled Clytæmnestra: A Tragedy (1903).

Arnold Graves' Family Life

Arnold Graves married Constance L Weatherley in London in 1881. They had four sons and one daughter. Sadly, two of his sons passed away during World War I, and his daughter died from the "Spanish Flu" sickness that spread after the war.

Later in his life, after Ireland was divided into two parts, he moved to England. He lived in London and Wheathampstead, where he passed away in 1930.