Engraver:
William Ward the Elder, English, 1766-1826
After Hugh Douglas Hamilton, Irish, 1740-1808
Title: Revd. Walter Blake Kirwan (1754-1805), Preaching on Behalf of the Female Orphan House, Dublin
Medium: Mezzotint
Dimensions:
Sheet: 69.5 x 75 cm
Plate: 59.5 x 67 cm
Credit Line: Purchased, 1906
Object Number: NGI.10050
DescriptionWalter Blake Kirwan (1754-1805), Dean of Killala, a Catholic, converted to Protestantism and gained fame as a charismatic preacher. In November 1791, the governors of a newly founded home for destitute girls on the northside of Dublin invited Kirwan to preach. In 1800, the charity, which was incorporated that year by the Irish parliament as 'The Female Orphan House', paid £205 for the picture. The painting disappeared sometime in the 19th century and is now only known through this mezzotint, published in 1806.
InscriptionPainted by Hugh Hamilton. Engraved by Willm. Ward Engraver to his R.H. the Duke of York./ To HIS EXCELLENCY PHILIP EARL OF HARDWICKE, KNIGHT OF THE MOST NOBLE ORDER OF THE GARTER, LORD LIEUTENANT GENERAL & GENERAL GOVERNOR OF IRELAND./ The distinguished friend of the Country over which he presides, & the zealous patron of all its charitable Institutions. This plate is most respectfully inscribed by the Governors and Guardians of the Female Orphan House. / Published January 1st 1806. by Wm. Allen Dublin. and Colnaghi & Co. Cockspur Street, London.