Oswald Birley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Oswald Birley
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Self-portrait, 1920
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Oswald Hornby Joseph Birley
31 March 1880 New Zealand |
| Died | 6 May 1952 (aged 72) St John's Wood, London, England |
| Spouse |
Rhoda Vava Mary Lecky Pike
(m. 1921) |
| Children | Maxime Birley Mark Birley |
| Education | Harrow School |
| Alma mater | Trinity College |
| Known for | Royal portraitist |
Sir Oswald Hornby Joseph Birley was a famous English artist. He was known for painting portraits, especially of the British Royal Family. He lived from 1880 to 1952. He earned the Military Cross (MC) for his service and was a member of the Royal Academy (RA).
Contents
Early Life and Education
Oswald Birley was born in New Zealand in 1880. His parents were on a trip around the world at the time. His family was from Lancashire, England.
When he returned to England, he went to Harrow School in London. Later, he studied at Trinity College, Cambridge. He was the great-grandson of Hugh Hornby Birley.
His Painting Career
Oswald Birley became a very well-known portrait painter. He was especially liked by the Royal Family.
Painting the Royals and Leaders
He painted many important people. These included:
Birley also painted several portraits of Sir Winston Churchill. He even gave Churchill painting lessons! Another famous person he painted was Mahatma Gandhi. This portrait was the first of Gandhi to be displayed in the Lok Sabha (India's parliament) after India became independent in 1947.
He also painted many military leaders from World War II. These included Generals Eisenhower and Montgomery. He also painted Admiral Louis Mountbatten and Air Marshal Trenchard.
Other important people he painted were wealthy American businessmen like Andrew Mellon and J. P. Morgan. He also painted Sir Charles Lupton, who was the Lord Mayor of Leeds.
Recognition
Oswald Birley was made a knight in 1949. This means he was given the title "Sir."
In 2007, a special exhibition of his artwork was held. It showed many of his paintings at the Philip Mould & Company gallery in London.
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Portrait of Ernest Rutherford by Birley (1936)
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Portrait of Harold Alexander by Birley (1945)
Military Service
Birley served in the military during both World War I and World War II.
During World War I, he fought in France. He first served with the Royal Fusiliers. Later, he joined the Intelligence Corps. He became a captain and was awarded the Military Cross in 1919 for his bravery.
In World War II, he served as a major in the Home Guard.
Personal Life and Family
In 1921, Oswald Birley married Rhoda Vava Mary Lecky Pike. She was known for her beauty. They bought and fixed up a large house called Charleston Manor in East Sussex, England. Rhoda later started a festival there.
Oswald and Rhoda had two children:
- Maxime Birley (1922–2009): She became a model and actress. She married Count Alain Le Bailly de La Falaise. They later divorced. She then married John McKendry.
- Mark Birley (1930–2007): He was a businessman who started a famous club in London called Annabel's. He married Lady Annabel Vane-Tempest-Stewart. They later divorced.
Oswald Birley passed away at his home in London on May 6, 1952. He had just returned from a trip to the United States for medical care.
Family Descendants
Oswald Birley's grandchildren include Robin Birley and India Jane Birley. His great-granddaughter was the fashion designer Loulou de la Falaise. Loulou's niece is the fashion model Lucie de la Falaise.
