Richard Orpen facts for kids

Richard Orpen (born December 24, 1863 – died March 27, 1938) was a talented Irish architect, painter, illustrator, and designer. He was known for his many creative projects and his important role in Irish art and architecture.

Early Life and Family

Richard Francis Caulfield Orpen was born on December 24, 1863. His parents were Anne (who was a Caulfield before marriage) and Arthur Herbert Orpen. His father was a solicitor, a type of lawyer, in Blackrock, County Dublin. Richard's grandfather on his mother's side was Charles Caulfield, a bishop in Nassau.

Richard was the oldest of six children. He had three younger brothers and two sisters. His youngest brother, William Orpen, became a very famous painter.

Richard went to St Columba's College in Rathfarnham, County Dublin. Later, he studied at Trinity College Dublin, graduating in 1885. While at St Columba's, Richard showed his artistic side early. In 1881, he published a book called Irish comic alphabet for the present times. This book was a fun mix of cartoons and poems. It even made light fun of important figures like Charles Stewart Parnell and the home rule movement.

In 1900, Richard married Violet Caulfield. Interestingly, both Richard and Violet were related to William Caulfeild, 1st Viscount Charlemont. Richard Orpen passed away on March 27, 1938, at his home called Coologe. He was buried in Deans Grange Cemetery.

Richard Orpen's Career

Richard Orpen really wanted to be a painter. However, because of family reasons, he decided to become an architect instead. He spent 11 years learning and working with a well-known architect named Thomas Drew. Richard started as a student and later became a managing assistant from 1885 to 1892.

Around 1890, Richard started his own architecture business. His office was in the same building as Thomas Drew's in Dublin. In 1896, he moved his office to a new location.

Architect and Leader

In 1888, Richard became a member of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland. He was a very active member, serving on the council from 1902 to 1910. He was also the honorary secretary from 1903 to 1905. Later, he became the president of the institute from 1914 to 1917. Richard even designed the institute's official seal in 1909. In 1904, a newspaper called the Irish Builder said he was the "originator of the bungalow in Ireland." This means he was one of the first to design bungalow-style homes there.

Richard was also one of the first members of the Architectural Association of Ireland. He served as its first president in 1896.

Art and Illustrations

From 1888, Richard Orpen showed his artwork at the Royal Hibernian Academy. He displayed watercolours and drawings of buildings. He continued to show his art there until 1936.

He worked with a famous Irish entertainer named Percy French on several projects. Richard helped illustrate books like Racquetry rhymes (1888) and The first lord liftinant and other tales (1890). He also drew cartoons for French's magazine, The Jarvey. Richard's architectural drawings were also featured in a book about the Irish parliament houses in 1891.

Important Projects and Roles

From 1897 to 1938, Richard Orpen was the official architect for St Columba's College. He took on this role after a fire damaged the college in 1896. He became a special member of the college, and a building there was even named the Orpen building.

Richard was very involved with the Arts and Crafts Society of Ireland. He was the secretary in 1895 and helped organize their fifth exhibition in 1917. In 1906, he helped start the Arts Club. That same year, he moved his architecture business and also moved into a house he designed himself, called Coologe.

In 1908, Richard helped open the Municipal Gallery of Modern Art. He even unveiled a statue of Hugh Lane at the opening. He was also appointed secretary for the gallery committee by Hugh Lane.

Richard became the architect for several important cathedrals. These included Christ Church Cathedral and St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin in Dublin. He also worked on St Canice's Cathedral in Kilkenny. In 1911, he became an associate of the Royal Hibernian Academy, and a full member in 1912. He was the academy's secretary from 1925 to 1937.

From 1910 to 1914, Richard worked with another architect, Page Dickinson. They worked together on plans for a new art gallery in Dublin. Richard was also appointed a guardian of the National Gallery of Ireland in 1914. He taught architectural history at the Dublin Metropolitan School of Art in 1914 and 1915.

Richard Orpen helped design several memorials. These included a bronze artwork for soldiers who died in the South African war. He also designed a war memorial at a church in Rathgar. He was president of the arts and crafts section of the Royal Dublin Society.

Richard Orpen is featured in a painting by Seán Keating called Homage to Sir Hugh Lane. St Columba's College has a portrait of Richard painted by his brother, William. The college also has a beautiful stained glass window in his memory, made by Catherine O'Brien.