Think that you may own a painting by William John Hennessy? We authenticate, appraise, research and issue certificates of authenticity (COA) and provide consultations for all paintings by William John Hennessy.

William John Hennessy was an Irish artist. Hennessy was born in Thomastown, County Kilkenny in 1839. His father, John Hennessy, was forced to leave Ireland in 1848 as a result of his involvement in the Young Ireland movement. He landed in Canada and settled in New York. William, his mother, Catherine, and brother joined their father there in 1849. He gained admittance to the National Academy of Design in 1854 and exhibited his first works there.

Hennessy developed a skill in wood engraving and was hired to illustrate the works of renowned poets, including that of Tennyson, Longfellow and Whittier. As an American he became the co-founder of the Artists’ Fund Society, and an honorary member of the American Society of Painters in Watercolours. In 1870 he moved to London where he became a member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters in 1902. Between 1879 and 1907 the Royal Hibernian Academy displayed eight of his paintings.

Still wondering about a British painting in your family collection? Contact us…it could be by William John Hennessy.