Francis S. Walker facts for kids
Francis Sylvester Walker (born in 1848, died in 1916) was a talented Irish artist. He was a painter, an illustrator, and an etcher. An etcher is someone who makes art by engraving designs onto metal plates.
Francis grew up in County Meath, Ireland. His father, Thomas Walker, was in charge of the Workhouse in Dunshaughlin. Francis loved art and studied it in Dublin. He went to two famous art schools: the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) and the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA).
Becoming a Famous Artist
Francis showed his artwork in many places. He exhibited at the RHA in Dublin as early as 1863. Later, his art was displayed in London at Burlington House in 1905. His paintings also travelled to other cities in Britain, like Birmingham, Liverpool, and Glasgow. He even became a member of a special group called the Royal Society of Painter-Etchers and Engravers (RE).
What Kind of Art Did He Make?
Francis Walker painted many different types of pictures. He created beautiful landscapes, which are paintings of nature and outdoor scenes. He also painted portraits of people. Another type of art he made was called genre works. These paintings show scenes from everyday life. Besides painting, Francis was also a skilled illustrator. He drew pictures for many travel books.
Today, you can see his amazing artworks in famous museums. Some of his pieces are in the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin. Others are in London, at the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Books He Illustrated
Francis Walker helped bring many books to life with his drawings. Here are some of the books he illustrated:
- Senior, William. The Thames: from Oxford to the Tower (1891)
- Lang, Andrew (Ed.) Poets' country (1907)
- Tynan, Katherine. Ireland (1909)
- Hall, Mr. & Mrs. S. C. Ireland: its scenery, character and history: Volume 1, Volume 2, Volume 3, Volume 4, Volume 5, Volume 6 (1911)
- Besant, Sir Walter. South London (1912)
- Besant, Sir Walter. "Westminster" (1895)
