Henry MacManus facts for kids

Henry MacManus (c. 1810 – 22 March 1878) was an important Irish artist and teacher. He was known for his landscape paintings and for helping to shape art education in Ireland.

Life of Henry MacManus

Henry MacManus was likely born in Monaghan, Ireland, around 1810. Sadly, he became an orphan when his father, a soldier, passed away while serving in the army. Henry was then raised in a military school located in the Phoenix Park in Dublin.

By 1835, MacManus was living with his friend, Charles Gavan Duffy. He was trying to make a living as an artist. Henry MacManus passed away on March 22, 1878, at his home in Dalkey, near Dublin. He was buried in Enniskerry, County Wicklow.

MacManus's Art Career

Henry MacManus began his art career by showing his work at the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA) in 1835. He became a member of the Belfast Association of Artists in 1836. He also showed four portraits with them.

Exhibitions and Paintings

MacManus also exhibited his art in London. He showed paintings at the Royal Academy from 1839 to 1841. His work was also seen at the British Institute and the Old Water-colour Society.

His paintings often showed historical events and everyday Irish life. Some of his well-known works include May-day at Finglas, Co. Dublin (1839). Another famous painting was An Irish Market-day, Ballybay, Co. Monaghan (1841).

Teaching and Leadership

From 1837 to 1844, MacManus worked in London. He was a head teacher at Somerset House. In 1844, he became the headmaster of the new Glasgow School of Design. This school is now known as the Glasgow School of Art.

After some initial success, MacManus had some disagreements with the school's management. He resigned from the Glasgow School of Design in 1848. He then moved to Dublin. There, he became the headmaster of the Dublin School of Art. He held this position until 1862.

Achievements in Dublin

MacManus had a very successful time leading the Dublin School of Art. One of his most important achievements was starting art classes for women. This was a big step forward for art education at the time. One of his notable students was Mary Alment.

He also helped organize the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) exhibition of arts and industries. He also worked as a superintendent at a new women's industrial school. This school was located in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan.

Later Career and Retirement

After 1854, the Department of Science and Art reduced the staff at the school. MacManus felt that the school's reputation was being harmed. He also felt that he was overworked. However, the department thought that the school's standards were dropping. They believed this was due to MacManus's health.

The RDS eventually pressured him to resign. MacManus wrote a letter to the press in 1862. This letter gained a lot of support from his former students. He was dismissed by the RDS in July 1862. However, he was reinstated after he apologized. He finally retired on September 30, 1863. He was given the title of honorary professor of fine arts.

Artistic Contributions

MacManus regularly showed his work with the RHA. He became an associate member in 1835. He then became a full member in 1858. He also served as the RHA professor of drawing from 1873 to 1878.

While he mainly painted landscapes, he also showed two plaster sculptures in 1853. Art historian Walter George Strickland noted that MacManus's earlier work had more merit. MacManus also illustrated books. These included Hall's Ireland and Carleton's Traits and Stories of the Irish Peasants.

MacManus, along with sculptor John Hogan, presented a "National Cap" to Daniel O'Connell. This happened at a large public meeting in Mullagh-mast. This event caused some discussion, as English journalists thought the cap was meant to be a crown for Ireland.