John J. O’Brien (b. 1929), Part 2

From 1918 onwards, artist Patrick Tuohy gained many commissions in Dublin and his nephew, John J. O’Brien, lists some of these. Ecclesiastical work undertaken by Tuohy as a young man for the Jesuits in Rathfarnham Castle is described in some detail. A copy of the painting entitled The Baptism of Christ is examined and it is explained that some well known contemporaries of the artist, including his fiancée, sat for the painting. Tuohy joined the teaching staff at the Dublin Metropolitan School of Art in the early 1920s, and his nephew discusses his life and the competitive working environment in Dublin at this time. Phyllis Moss Stein, the fiancée of Patrick Tuohy, is recalled, as is her father who was employed by the Royal Dublin Society as a public analyst and who was to be subsequently appointed Registrar. Patrick Tuohy retired from the DMSC in 1926 and left for the United States. John reads from a letter written by Tuohy which suggests that his preference would have been to remain in Ireland, but due to financial pressures he had little choice but to relocate. The circumstances surrounding the untimely death of Patrick Tuohy are discussed. The movements of the artist just prior to his death are described and the circumstances re-examined. It is contended that the evidence available would not support the prevailing opinion that Patrick Tuohy committed suicide.