Dermod O'Brien facts for kids
William Dermod O'Brien (1865 – 1945) was a famous Irish painter. People usually called him Dermod O'Brien. He was best known for painting beautiful landscapes and detailed portraits. His art was even shown at the art competition during the 1928 Summer Olympics.
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Dermod O'Brien's Early Life
Dermod O'Brien was born on June 10, 1865. His family lived at Mount Trenchard House in County Limerick, Ireland. His parents were Edward William O'Brien and Mary Spring Rice. Mary was the granddaughter of a well-known person called Lord Monteagle of Brandon.
When Dermod's mother passed away, his aunt, Charlotte Grace O'Brien, helped raise him. He grew up with his two sisters, Nelly and Lucy. Later, his father remarried in 1880. Dermod went to Harrow School and then studied at Trinity College, Cambridge.
Dermod's Family Life
Dermod O'Brien married Mabel Emmeline Smyly on March 8, 1902. Mabel was the daughter of Sir Philip Crampton Smyly. Dermod and Mabel had five children together.
Some of his children also became artists. His son, Brendan, was a surgeon in Dublin. Brendan married an artist named Kitty Wilmer O'Brien. Dermod's daughter, Rosaleen Brigid, also became an artist. She was known as Brigid Ganly after she married Andrew Ganly. Another artist in his family was Geraldine O'Brien.
Dermod O'Brien's Art Career
After finishing his studies at Cambridge, Dermod O'Brien chose a different path than many Irish artists. Instead of studying art in Dublin, he traveled to Paris. There, he spent time studying the famous paintings at the Louvre museum.
In 1887, O'Brien visited art galleries in Italy. He then joined the Royal Academy in Antwerp, Belgium. He studied there with another artist named Walter Osborne.
Art Studies and Return to Ireland
Dermod O'Brien left Antwerp in 1891. He went back to Paris to study at the Académie Julian. In 1893, he moved to London. Finally, in 1901, he settled in Dublin, Ireland.
He became a part of the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA) in 1906. The RHA is a group of artists in Ireland. He became a full member in 1907. Later, he was chosen to be the president of the RHA. He held this important role from 1910 until 1945. In 1912, he also became an honorary member of the Royal Academy in London.
Other Roles and War Service
Besides his art, Dermod O'Brien held other important positions. In 1916, he served as the High Sheriff of County Limerick. This was a special role in his home county. He also became a Deputy Lieutenant of County Limerick.
During the First World War, Dermod O'Brien served in a special military unit called the Artists' Rifles. This unit was made up of many artists and creative people.
