Brigid Ganly facts for kids

Brigid Ganly (born Rosaleen Brigid O'Brien) was a talented Irish artist. She was known for her amazing paintings and sculptures. Brigid lived from 1909 to 2002. She was even an honorary member of the Royal Hibernian Academy (HRHA).

Growing Up and Learning Art

Brigid Ganly was born in Dublin, Ireland, on January 29, 1909. Her full name was Rosaleen Brigid O'Brien. She was one of five children. Her father, Dermod O'Brien, was also a painter. Brigid's great-grandfather was William Smith O'Brien, a famous Irish leader.

Early Home Life

Brigid grew up on a farm in Cahirmoyle, County Limerick. Later, her family moved to Dublin. This move allowed her to study art.

Art School Days

Brigid went to the Metropolitan School of Art. There, she learned from great teachers. Some of her teachers were Patrick Tuohy, Seán Keating, and Oliver Sheppard. She also spent time in Paris in 1951. In Paris, she trained with a famous artist named André Lhote. His ideas continued to influence her art when she traveled to Greece.

Joining the Royal Hibernian Academy

Brigid also studied painting at the Royal Hibernian Academy School. Her teachers there included Margaret Clarke and Seán O'Sullivan.

Becoming a Member

She became an associate member of the Royal Hibernian Academy in 1928. By 1935, Brigid was a full member. This was a big achievement for an artist.

A Stand for Young Artists

In 1969, Brigid decided to leave the Academy. She did this to protest. She felt that young artists were not getting enough chances to show their work. However, she returned in 1972. She was made an honorary member.

Brigid's Artistic Journey

Brigid Ganly was a representational artist. This means her art looked like real life. She was well-known for painting people. But she also painted landscapes, indoor scenes, and still lifes. Still lifes are paintings of objects like fruit or flowers.

Famous Works

Some of her best paintings are portraits. She painted her husband, her sister Ethel, and her father. She also painted her friend, Sheila Pym. Brigid even drew the pictures for Sheila Pym's book covers.

Art Shows and Collections

Brigid had many art shows. She showed her work with the Royal Hibernian Academy. She also exhibited with the Water Colour Society of Ireland. In 1998, there was a special show of her life's work. This show was at the Hugh Lane Municipal Gallery. Her art can be seen in many places. These include the Hugh Lane Gallery, the Waterford Municipal Gallery, and the Crawford Art Gallery in Cork. Her work is also in the National Self-Portrait Collection. In 2014, her art was part of a show called 'Irish Women Artists: 1870-1970'.

Her Family Life

Brigid Ganly married Andrew Ganly in 1936. He was a dental surgeon and a writer. Andrew passed away in 1982. They had two children, a son named Eoghan and a daughter named Phillida. Brigid's sister-in-law was Kitty Wilmer O'Brien. Kitty was also an artist, and they often showed their art together.