Frank McKelvey facts for kids
Frank McKelvey was a famous Irish painter from Belfast. He was born on June 3, 1895, and passed away on June 30, 1974.
Frank McKelvey's Early Life and School Days
Frank McKelvey was born in Belfast on June 3, 1895. His family lived at 31 Woodvale Road. He was the second oldest of six children. His parents, William and Mary McKelvey, had three sons and three daughters. Frank's father, William, worked as a decorator and painter.
Frank went to Mayo Street National School in Belfast. When he was 16, he started working as an apprentice at a company called David Allen & Sons. This company made postcards, posters, and other printed items. Frank learned how to be a lithographer, which is someone who uses a special printing method.
While working, Frank also took evening classes at the Belfast College of Art. In 1911, he decided to study art full-time. His art teacher, Alfred Rawlings Baker, was a big influence on him. Frank won many awards for his art, including the Sir Charles Brett Prize.
Frank McKelvey's Painting Career
In 1917, Frank McKelvey worked briefly at David Allen & Sons again. But soon after, he decided to focus only on painting. In 1920, he opened his own art studio in Belfast. It was located in Rea's Building on Royal Avenue.
By 1918, Frank's paintings were shown at the Royal Hibernian Academy. This is a very important art institution in Ireland. In 1921, he became a member of the Belfast Art Society. He was made an associate of the RHA in 1923 and a full member in 1930.
During his career, many people thought Frank McKelvey was as good as Paul Henry and James Humbert Craig. These were two of the most successful Irish landscape painters at that time. When the Ulster Academy of Arts was started in 1930, Frank was chosen as one of its first members. He continued to paint until he passed away on June 30, 1974.
