Marie Bourke assesses the work of Francis Bindon, a portrait painter and designer of Irish country houses
Francis Bindon is often described as a gentleman portrait painter and amateur architect. Following artistic training overseas, Bindon settled in Dublin, where he painted portraits and engaged in architectural collaboration with Richard Castle. This overview of Bindon’s life focuses on the significant figures he painted and the country-house designs ascribed to him.
Francis Bindon was the fourth son of David Bindon (d. 1733) of Clooney, Co Clare, a landowner in both Clare and Limerick, and his wife, Dorothy Burton, daughter of Samuel Burton of Buncraggy, Co Clare. The Bindon family originated in Somerset and some members moved to Ireland in the 17th century during the Cromwellian settlement. Part of the Anglo-Irish ascendancy, they were active in local governance, serving as justices of the peace and in other municipal roles. They became influential through marriage, land acquisition and involvement in the administration of Clare, with their prominence only waning in the 19th century.
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