Charles E. Kelly (cartoonist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles E. Kelly
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Cartoon by Charles E. Kelly from Dublin Opinion (pre-1937)
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| Born | 15 June 1902 |
| Died | 20 January 1981 (aged 78) |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Known for | Cartooning |
Charles Edward Kelly (born June 15, 1902, died January 20, 1981) was a famous Irish cartoonist. He helped start and edit a funny magazine called Dublin Opinion. Charles drew many cartoons for the magazine. His drawings had different styles, from funny cartoons to more detailed pictures.
Contents
Early Life and Dublin Opinion
Charles Kelly went to school at Synge Street CBS. When he was 15, he started working for the Irish government. He began as a messenger boy.
Starting a Magazine
At 19, Charles Kelly teamed up with other creative people. He, another cartoonist named Arthur Booth, and a writer named Tom Collins, started Dublin Opinion in 1922. This was just before the Irish Civil War began. Arthur Booth was the first editor of the magazine.
Learning to Draw
Charles Kelly never went to art school. He learned to draw by looking at the work of other great cartoonists. He practiced a lot to create his own unique style.
Life as a Cartoonist and Civil Servant
After Arthur Booth passed away in 1926, Charles Kelly became a co-editor of Dublin Opinion with Tom Collins. Even while editing the magazine, Charles kept his job with the government.
Important Government Roles
He worked his way up in the government. Eventually, he became the Director of Broadcasting. This meant he helped manage radio and TV services. He also became the Director of National Savings. This role involved helping people save money.
Other Artistic Work
Charles Kelly's cartoons also appeared in another publication. They were in The Capuchin Annual from 1942 to 1955. In the 1930s, he started painting with watercolours. He joined art clubs like the Dublin Sketching Club. He also became a member of the Water Colour Society of Ireland.
Art Exhibitions
Charles showed more than 60 of his paintings at the Water Colour Society. He exhibited his art there from 1941 to 1980. In 1972, he had his own art show in Dublin, where he displayed his watercolour paintings.
Later Years and Family
After Tom Collins died, Charles Kelly tried to keep Dublin Opinion going. But after a few years, the magazine closed down in 1968.
Awards and Recognition
In 1979, Charles Kelly received a special honor. He was given an honorary doctorate from the National University of Ireland. This is like a special degree given to someone for their achievements. He was also the president and chairman of PEN, an organization for writers.
His Children
Charles Kelly had two children who also became well-known. His oldest son, Frank, was an actor. He was famous for playing Father Jack in the TV show Father Ted. Charles's daughter, Pauline Bracken, is a journalist. She wrote a book about her childhood in Dublin called Light of Other Days: A Dublin Childhood. It was published in 1992.
