William Thomas Braithwaite facts for kids
William Thomas Braithwaite (born April 14, 1844 – died January 22, 1918) was a successful businessman from Northern Ireland. He was also known as a skilled marksman and was involved in community groups. William Braithwaite helped start a business called Braithwaite & McCann. This company grew to own 15 different places in Belfast. In 1906, he gave many valuable paintings to the Belfast Municipal Museum and Art Gallery, which is now called the Ulster Museum.
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Early Life and Family
William Braithwaite was born in Belfast on April 14, 1844. He lived his whole life without getting married.
Building a Business Empire
William Braithwaite was a co-founder of the company Braithwaite & McCann. They started as merchants selling various goods. Their very first business was the Hatfield House on Ormeau Road in the 1880s.
Growing the Company
By 1899, their business had expanded. They also owned the Red Lion, which was also on Ormeau Road, and the Garrick in Chichester Street. Braithwaite & McCann continued to grow. They bought the Store Bar in Church Lane and the Ulster Tavern in Chichester Street. Eventually, their company owned a total of 15 different places across Belfast.
The Hatfield House Today
The Hatfield House is a very special building. It is officially protected by the Northern Ireland Department of Communities. People describe it as a "rare example of a traditional public house." It is also seen as an "important local landmark." This building holds great social and historical value for the area.
Amazing Skills and Hobbies
William Braithwaite was famous for his incredible shooting skills. The Belfast Evening Telegraph newspaper called him a "world-famed rifle shot." Because of his accuracy, he earned the nickname "Bullseye Braithwaite."
A Champion Marksman
He represented Ireland in a big shooting competition called the Elcho Shield. This event took place at Bisley. William Braithwaite competed for 20 years. During his time, he won many important awards. These included the Albert Jewel, the Wimbledon Cup, the Duke of Cambridge's trophy, and the Secretary of State trophy.
Community Involvement
Beyond his business and shooting, William Braithwaite was also active in his community. He was a member of a group called the Freemasons. He also helped start the Orange Widows' Fund. This fund was created to support widows in need.
Supporting Arts and History
William Braithwaite was a member of the Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society. This group later became the Belfast Municipal Museum and Art Gallery. Today, it is known as the Ulster Museum.
Generous Art Donation
In 1906, Braithwaite made a very generous gift to the museum. He donated a large collection of paintings. He also encouraged the Philosophical Society to give their own collection to the museum.
Famous Paintings Donated
Among the paintings Braithwaite gave to the museum were two famous works. These were Winter and Spring, both painted in 1633 by Pieter Brueghel the Younger. These paintings were originally part of a series showing the Four Seasons.
Restoring the Brueghel Paintings
For a while, people doubted if these paintings were truly by Brueghel the Younger. This was because of some poor repairs done in the 1960s. However, after the paintings were carefully cleaned, their original artist was confirmed. This restoration work was even featured on a BBC Four television show called Britain's Lost Masterpieces.
Public Service
William Braithwaite was described as a "retiring" person. This means he preferred to stay out of the public eye. The only public role he held was on the board of the Belfast City and District Water Commissioners.
Later Life and Passing
William Braithwaite passed away at his home on Botanic Avenue in Belfast. He died on January 22, 1918.
