Lot 201: Dermod O'Brien PRHA HRSA (1865 - 1945) The Liffey

Dermod O'Brien PRHA HRSA (1865 - 1945) The Liffey at Straffan Oil on canvas 37 x 44cm Provenance: Collection of the late T.G Wilson, artist and friend of Dermod O'Brien.PRHA O'Brien was born at Mount Tranchard, Foynes, Co. Limerick. He was educated at Harrow and Trinity College, Cambridge. From 1887 he attended art school in Antwerp where he won a silver medal for drawing. He visited Paris and Italy. On his return to England he attended the Slade. He was a friend of Wilson Steer, and shared a studio with Tonks. In 1901 he returned to Ireland and settled in Dublin. He became an ARHA in 1905 and an RHA in 1907. In that year he moved to Co. Limerick in order to paint landscapes. He was elected PRHA in 1910. He was made an Honorary RSA in 1911 and an Honorary RA in 1912. He was offered the position of Ulster King-at-Arms, which he refused. In 1920 he returned to Dublin where he painted portraits and landscapes. He taught in the RHA Schools. He was interested in music and was a Governor of the Royal Academy of Music. He was also a keen farmer and took part in the cooperative movement. He continued to paint until shortly before his death at the age of 80. He was unsparing in helping fellow artists or those concerned with the arts. He died in Dublin.