Tom Cullen

Tom Cullen was born in Donnybrook, Dublin in 1934. His father was a butcher whose family ran a butchering business in the village for generations. He was educated in Synge Street Christian Brothers School.

Tom's natural talent for drawing was noticed at an early age by his art teacher who encouraged him to take up painting professionally. However, on leaving school he entered the family business and his painting regrettably played second fiddle. 1973 brought a devastating bank strike in Ireland and, like so many other family businesses, the Cullen's family butchers went into liquidation. It was then that Tom took up painting professionally.