July 21st, 1887
Professor Thomas Patrick Bodkin (21 July 1887 – 24 April 1961) was an Irish lawyer, art historian, art collector and curator.
Bodkin was Director of the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin from 1927 to 1935 and founding Director of the Barber Institute of Fine Arts in Birmingham from 1935 until 1952, where he acquired the nucleus of the collection described by The Observer as “the last great art collection of the twentieth century.
Thomas Bodkin, born on July 21, 1887, in Dublin, Ireland was an influential Irish art historian, art collector, and director of various art institutions. Here is a detailed look at his life and contributions:
Bodkin was educated at Belvedere College, Dublin, and later at the University College Dublin (UCD), where he studied law.
Career:
- Lawyer: Initially, Bodkin pursued a career in law, becoming a barrister.
- Art Historian: His passion for art led him to transition from law to art history and curation.
Major Contributions:
Director of the National Gallery of Ireland: From 1927 to 1935, Bodkin served as the director, during which time he significantly expanded the gallery’s collection and improved its international reputation.
Barber Institute of Fine Arts: In 1935, he became the first director of the Barber Institute of Fine Arts in Birmingham, England. Under his leadership, the institute acquired many significant works and established itself as a leading center for art and art history.
Publications: Bodkin wrote extensively on art and art history. Some of his notable works include:
- “The Approach to Painting” (1927)
- “Hugh Lane and His Pictures” (1932)
- “The Four Irish Landscape Painters” (1920)
- “The Art Collection of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland” (1939)
Lectures and Broadcasts: Bodkin was also known for his lectures and radio broadcasts on art, making the subject accessible to a broader audience.
Legacy:
Thomas Bodkin’s contributions to art history and his efforts in curating and expanding art collections have left a lasting impact on the institutions he was associated with. His work helped raise the profile of Irish art and established important cultural connections between Ireland and the wider art world.
Personal Life:
- Death: Bodkin passed away on April 6, 1961, leaving behind a rich legacy in the field of art history.
