Francis Baird McKelvey, also known as Frank McKelvey, was born 3 June 1895. He was born in
Belfast at 31 Woodvale Road. His
parents William and Mary McKelvey had six children, When he was 16 he became a
lithographer apprentice to the firm, David Allen & Sons. McKelvey enrolled in the Belfast College of Art part time by attending evening classes until he left his employment in 1911 to study full-time. Alfred Rawlings Baker, McKelvey's art master, had great influence on him during his time at art college. McKelvey received numerous awards for his artworks including the
Sir Charles Brett Prize, the Fitzpatrick Prize, and the Taylor Art Competition
. == Career ==