William Dunlap facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Dunlap
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| Born | February 19, 1766 |
| Died | September 28, 1839 (aged 73) |
| Education | Studied painting in London under Benjamin West |
| Occupation | Painter, playwright, historian |
| Employer | Park Theatre, New York City |
| Known for | Founded National Academy of Design |
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Notable work
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| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Woolsey |
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William Dunlap (born February 19, 1766 – died September 28, 1839) was a very important person in early American theater. He helped create plays, wrote them, and even acted in them! He also wrote history books. Dunlap managed two of New York City's first big theaters: the John Street Theatre and the Park Theatre. Even though he lost an eye when he was a child, he was also a talented painter.
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William Dunlap: A Pioneer of American Theater
William Dunlap was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. His father was an army officer who was hurt in the Battle of Quebec. From a young age, William showed an interest in art and theater.
Early Life and Art
When he was just 17 years old, in 1783, William Dunlap painted a picture of George Washington. Washington was staying at a place called Rockingham in Rocky Hill at the time. This painting is now owned by the United States Senate.
After this, Dunlap went to London to study art with a famous painter named Benjamin West. He also had some lessons in New York with another teacher, Abraham Delanoy. When he came back to America in 1787, he focused mostly on theater for many years. But later, around 1805, he started painting full-time again because he needed the money. By 1817, painting was his main job.
A Life in Theater
William Dunlap spent 18 years working only in the theater. He was a true pioneer, meaning he was one of the first to do many things in American theater. He managed two of New York City's most important early theaters. He was in charge of the John Street Theatre from 1796 to 1798. Then, he managed the Park Theatre from 1798 to 1805.
Dunlap wrote more than 60 plays during his life. Many of these plays were his own versions of stories from French or German works. But some were completely new stories that he created himself. These original plays often focused on American themes and had American characters.
His Important Books
Even though he wrote many plays, William Dunlap is perhaps best known for his amazing history books. One of his most famous works is a three-volume set called History of the Rise and Progress of the Arts of Design in the United States. This huge book was published in 1834. Today, it's a very important source of information about artists and art in early America. It tells us a lot about how art was created and collected during the colonial and federal periods.
He also wrote History of the American Theater, which came out in two volumes in 1832. This book shares the story of how theater grew in America.
Founding the National Academy
In 1825, William Dunlap helped start an important art school called the National Academy of Design. He also taught at this school, helping to train new artists. His work helped shape both theater and art in the early United States.
