Maurice Canning Wilks facts for kids

Maurice Canning Wilks (1910–1984) was a talented Irish landscape painter. He was born in Belfast in 1910. His father was a designer who worked with linen.

Maurice went to Malone Public School in Belfast. He also took evening art classes at the Belfast College of Art. He was very good at art! He even won a special award called the Dunville Scholarship. This scholarship helped him attend art classes during the day.

Later, his paintings were shown in important art exhibitions. He exhibited at the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA) in Dublin. He became an associate member there. He was also chosen as a full member of the Royal Ulster Academy (RUA).

His Artistic Journey

After finishing college, Wilks lived in Cushendun. This is a beautiful village in the Glens of Antrim. He loved to paint the natural beauty around him.

His first landscape paintings were mostly of Ireland's northern and western areas. These included places like Donegal, Antrim, and Kerry. He was inspired by another Irish landscape artist, James Humbert Craig.

Showing His Art to the World

Maurice Canning Wilks's art became very popular. He showed his paintings in many countries. His work was exhibited in big cities like London, Boston, Montreal, and Toronto. This means people all over the world could see his amazing landscapes!

In his later years, he had a summer art studio in Sutton. This is near Dublin Bay. He painted many scenes of this area, capturing its beauty.

Where to See His Art

Today, you can find Maurice Wilks's paintings in public art collections. These are places where anyone can go to see his art. Some of these places include the Ulster Museum and the Armagh County Museum. You can also see his work at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. Other places include the Office of Public Works in Dublin and the Limerick City Art Gallery.

Maurice Canning Wilks passed away in 1984. His beautiful landscape paintings continue to be enjoyed by many.