James Sleator facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Sleator
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| Born |
James Samuel Slator
27 June 1885 Derrycane, Portadown, County Armagh, Ireland
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| Died | 9 January 1950 (aged 64) Dublin, Ireland
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| Resting place | Mount Jerome Cemetery, Dublin |
| Education | Belfast School of Art, Metropolitan School of Art, Slade School of Art |
| Known for | painting |
James Sinton Sleator (27 June 1885 – 9 January 1950) was an important Irish artist. He was born in Portadown, County Armagh, Ireland. Sleator was famous for painting portraits of people and also for his still life paintings. Still life means paintings of objects like fruit or flowers.
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An Artist's Life
James Sleator's parents, Margaret and William Slator, were both teachers. His father taught at a school near Portadown. Later, he became the head teacher of a school in Belfast. James changed his last name slightly from Slator to Sleator.
Early Art Training
James loved art from a young age. He studied at the Belfast School of Art. In 1910, he won a special scholarship. This allowed him to study at the Metropolitan School of Art in Dublin. There, he learned from a famous artist named Sir William Orpen. James won many awards during his time in Dublin.
He continued his art studies in London at the Slade School of Art. After that, he even went to Paris to learn more about painting.
Becoming a Teacher and Member of the RHA
In 1915, James Sleator returned to Dublin. He became a teacher at the Metropolitan School of Art where he had once been a student.
He was recognized for his talent very quickly. In 1917, he became an Associate of the Royal Hibernian Academy. This is a group of important Irish artists. He became a full member in the same year.
Travel and Famous Connections
Five years later, James traveled to Florence, Italy. He painted many portraits and landscapes there. Landscapes are paintings of natural scenery.
He eventually moved back to London in 1927. He opened his own studio and became a well-known portrait painter. He worked closely with his former teacher, William Orpen. James was also a member of the Chelsea Arts Club. He showed his paintings at the Royal Academy and with the Royal Society of Portrait Painters.
One of the most interesting facts about James Sleator is that he taught Winston Churchill how to paint! Churchill later became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. James took over this teaching role from William Orpen.
In 1935, he was made an honorary member of the Ulster Arts Club in Belfast. He always stayed in touch with his sister Ethel and his friends in Belfast.
Later Years
James Sleator moved back to Dublin in 1941. He stayed there until he passed away in 1950. He is buried in Dublin.
Where to See His Art
You can find James Sleator's paintings in several places:
- Girton College, Cambridge has his portrait of Edith Major.
- The Ulster Museum has a portrait of Forrest Reid.
- The Armagh County Museum and the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin both have self-portraits by Sleator. A self-portrait is a painting an artist makes of themselves.
