Thomas James Mulvany facts for kids
Thomas James Mulvany (born in 1779, died in 1845) was a talented Irish painter. He also played an important role at the Royal Hibernian Academy, where he later became the keeper.
A Life in Art
Thomas James Mulvany started showing his paintings with the Dublin Society of Artists. This was in May 1809, at their rooms in Hawkins Street, Dublin.
In 1819, the Dublin Society sold their building. This meant artists no longer had a place to show their work. Thomas Mulvany and his brother, John George Mulvany (who was also a painter), worked hard to help Irish artists. They wanted to create a new official group for them.
In 1823, their efforts paid off! A special document, called a charter, was approved. This led to the creation of the Royal Hibernian Academy. Francis Johnston was the first president. Thomas Mulvany and his brother were among the first 14 artists chosen to be members of this new Academy.
Later, in 1841, Thomas Mulvany became the keeper of the Academy. He passed away in 1845.
What He Created
Mulvany also wrote about Irish artists for a publication called The Citizen.
In the last few years of his life, Mulvany worked on editing a book. This book was about the life of James Gandon, a famous architect. The book was published in 1846, after Mulvany's death. It was based on papers from James Gandon the younger. Maurice James Craig also helped to edit this work.
His Family
Thomas Mulvany married Mary Field. They had seven children together. Their oldest son was William Thomas Mulvany.
Another son, George Francis Mulvany (1809–1869), also became a painter. He followed in his father's footsteps and became the keeper of the Royal Hibernian Academy. In 1854, George Francis was chosen as the first director of the new National Gallery of Ireland.
Their fourth son, John Skipton Mulvany, became known as an architect.
