Frances Josephine Kelly (14 February 1908 – 2002; usually known as Judy Boland), was an Irish painter.[1][2][3][4] She is known for being the wife of Frederick Boland, an Irish diplomat who served as the United Nations representative for Ireland. By the age of twenty seven, when she married, she had attained prominence as a painter.[5]

Early life

Kelly was born on 14 February 1908 in Coolagh Bridge, Drogheda, Louth, Ireland to James and Marion Kelly (née Shields).[6][7] On 11 February 1935, she married Irish diplomat Frederick Boland in the Church of St Michael, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, Ireland.[8][9] They had a son, Fergal and four daughters; Jane, Nessa, Mella, and the poet Eavan Boland.[10][11][12]

Artistic career

Kelly studied at the Metropolitan School of Art, Dublin, Ireland, and, from 1932–1935, in Paris, France with the cubist painter Léopold Survage.[13][14] In Ireland, she painted the murals in Tullamore Hospital, Dublin, and those at the old Russell Hotel. Kelly specialized in still life works. Her work was part of the painting event in the art competition at the 1932 Summer Olympics.[15]

Paintings

• Still Life with Lillies and Staffordshire Figurine
• As She Moved Through the Fair
• Still Life With Flowers Before a Window
• Reclining Nude

References

External links

• Whytes Biographies of Irish Artists
• Frances J. Kelly on ArtUK