Merrimack Historical Society

FRANK FRENCH

This noted artist was born May 22, 1850 in Loudon, N.H. He later lived in Merrimack. He is considered the "dean of American woodcarvers".

French also did commendable work as a painter. While serving as the art director for the manchester "Mirror and Farmer" under John B. Clarke, he held an exhibition of paintings by Boston artists to stimulate art interest in Manchester. THis was the first fine art exhibit in the city, and soon after, he helped organize the Manchester Art Association.

In 1893, he was awarded a medal at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago, and his engraving of Deschamps' "Beggar Girl" won the gold medal at the St. Louis Exposition in 1904. Many of his works are part of the Currier Art Gallery's permanent collection in Manchester.

Below are some pictures of some of Frank French's artwork