Frances Kelly facts for kids

Frances Josephine Kelly (born February 14, 1908 – died 2002), often called Judy Boland, was a talented Irish painter. She became quite famous for her art. Frances was also the wife of Frederick Boland, an important Irish diplomat. He represented Ireland at the United Nations. By the time she was 27 and got married, she was already a well-known artist.

Early Life and Family

Frances Kelly was born on February 14, 1908. Her birthplace was Coolagh Bridge, in Drogheda, Louth, Ireland. Her parents were James and Marion Kelly.

On February 11, 1935, Frances married Frederick Boland. He was an Irish diplomat. Their wedding took place in the Church of St Michael in Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, Ireland. They had five children together. Their son was named Fergal. Their four daughters were Jane, Nessa, Mella, and the famous poet Eavan Boland.

Her Artistic Journey

Frances Kelly studied art at the Metropolitan School of Art in Dublin, Ireland. From 1932 to 1935, she also studied in Paris, France. There, she learned from Léopold Survage, a painter known for Cubism. Cubism is a style of art where objects are broken up and shown from different angles.

In Ireland, Frances painted large pictures on walls, known as murals. She created murals for Tullamore Hospital in Dublin. She also painted murals at the old Russell Hotel. Frances was especially good at painting still life works. These are paintings of everyday objects like flowers or fruit.

Her artistic talent was recognized internationally. Her work was even part of the art competition at the 1932 Summer Olympics. This shows how important her paintings were considered at the time.

Famous Paintings

Here are some of Frances Kelly's well-known paintings:

• Still Life with Lillies and Staffordshire Figurine
• As She Moved Through the Fair
• Still Life With Flowers Before a Window
• Reclining ...