William Pearse: Born in 1881 in Dublin. The younger brother of Patrick, William was an artist as well as a nationalist. Several of his sculptures can be seen in St Stephen’s Green as well as St Andrew’s Church, Westland Row.
To a certain extent overshadowed by his brother, he was every bit as enthusiastic a revolutionary, teacher and language enthusiast as Padraic.
Willie’s rank was as a captain in the Volunteers during the Easter Rising of 1916. Willie was stationed in the GPO, where he stood by Pádraic’s side as his ADC until the surrender order came. After the Rising, he was taken to Richmond Barracks where he was court-martialed. Of all the revolutionaries who were executed in 1916 Willie was the only one who pleaded guilty to the charge.
He was executed in Kilmainham Gaol on 4 May 1916. Pearse railway station on Westland Row was named in honour of the two brothers in 1966.
- Framed: 106 x 106 x 3.2 cm
- Subject Matter: Portrait
- Collections: Irish History, Easter Rising