Simon Coleman

Simon Coleman was born on the 22nd June 1916 in the village of Duleek, County Meath, the son of a local postman. He trained at the Dublin Metropolitan School, becoming a pupil of Sean Keating. In his early career he was awarded several prestigious commissions, including The Council of State, a painting in the collection of Áras an Uachtaráin, Phoenix Park, Dublin, depicting the first meeting of President Hyde's Council of State. It was noted at the time that then Taoiseach, Eamon DeValera was unhappy with the choice of Coleman, apparently favouring Sean O'Sullivan. Coleman also exhibited locally during the 1940s and 1950s at the Drogheda Library. He was elected to the RHA towards the end of his life. He also worked as a folklore collector with the Folklore Commission and taught art. He died in 1995.