Percy (William) French (1854-1920)

The landscape painter, sketcher and illustrator William French was born in County Roscommon. Quite apart from his artistic talent in drawing and watercolour painting, he was also a writer, banjo-player, opera composer, poet and one of Ireland's most popular songwriters and entertainers. Hence his reputation as a Renaissance man.

French graduated from Trinity College Dublin as a civil engineer in 1881, joining the Board of Works in County Cavan as an Inspector of Drains. During this time he combined work with a prolific output of watercolours, one of which - Where ever I go my heart turns back to the County Mayo - was sold by Dublin art auctioneers Whytes for a record €44,0...