The Final Draft > The Footprints of the Artists who Called Kilkenny Home
The Footprints of the Artists who Called Kilkenny Home
Seeing as innovation and creativity go hand in hand, it’s no wonder that the home of Smithwick’s has a long history with the arts. Visit the Marble City today and you’ll be spoilt for choice for places where you can delve further into the rich artistic lifeblood that flows within the city. But who are some of the people behind this great artistic tradition? We look at three prolific artists who called Kilkenny home.
Mildred Anne Butler, Painter
One of the first Irish professional female artists to successfully sell and widely exhibit her work throughout her lifetime, Mildred Anne Butler was born in 1858 in Kilmurry House in Thomastown, County Kilkenny. Much of her work owes to the abundant inspiration from the tranquil surroundings of her childhood home. In the 1880s, she travelled to London where she got her first education in watercolours under the tutelage of prominent artist Paul Jacob Naftel. Her studies in London would shape her artistic discipline and give her the foundational skills that would be seen in the majority of her works. She travelled widely across Europe during her lifetime, including visits to Paris, Belgium, France, Switzerland, and Italy, where she continued to hone her skills. She spent most of her life at Kilmurry House where she spent the last of her days. Outside of her artistic skill, Mildred proved an adept businesswoman and was gifted at marketing herself and her works in a time that typically underappreciated female artists. An exhibition of her work will take place in the National Gallery of Ireland beginning in September.
James O’Neill, Actor
Image 1: James O’Neill image via https://picryl.com/media/james-oneill-1849-1920-bust-portrait-as-abbe-busoni-in-monte-cristo-facing
Broadway star James O’Neill was born during the 19th century in Kilkenny as the sixth of nine children. After emigrating to the United States with his family, O’Neill made his stage debut in Cincinnati, Ohio, in a production of The Colleen Bawn in 1867. His acting roles would see him make his way across Chicago, San Francisco, and New York City. A controversial role in The Passion Play in 1879 in which O’Neill played Christ would see him become the centre of a scandal and arrested for the impersonation of a deity. The charge drew worldwide attention on the promising young performer. It was some years later that he would earn the role which would quickly define his legacy. In 1882 O’Neill gained the titular role of a production of The Count of Monte Cristo. The Kilkenny man would go on to play the part in over 6,000 performances spread over 30 years across the United States.
James Hoban, Architect
Image 2: James Hoban image via https://renopenrose.getarchive.net/media/james-hoban-circa-1800-crop-661ba9
It’s a little-known fact that inspiration for one of the most famous buildings in the world was found in Kilkenny. James Hoban, the architect who designed the White House was born in Kilkenny during the 18th century. After emigrating to the United States, Hoban gained various commissions in Philadelphia and South Carolina before coming to the attention of President George Washington during his presidential tour. It was some years later that the president, remembering Hoban and his work, would invite him to submit a pitch for the design of the presidential house after the original architect was fired for his over-extravagant designs. Completed in 1800, the building ostensibly owes a debt to Hoban’s beginnings in Kilkenny. Click here to read the full story of the Kilkenny man who built the White House.
From trinkets to textiles, to read more about where to find Kilkenny’s best arts and crafts click here.