Background
William John Hennessy (originally Ó hAonghusa) 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.
William John Hennessy (originally Ó hAonghusa) 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 New York He gained admittance to the National Academy of Design in 1854 and exhibitioned 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.
Between 1879 and 1907 the Royal Hibernian Academy displayed eight of his paintings.
In 1870 he moved to London where he became a member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters in 1902.