George Victor Du Noyer (1817–69) was among the surveyors employed by the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) shortly after its foundation in 1845. He was one of several men— antiquarians, artists, recorders of nineteenth century life—whose interest went beyond geology. This paper explores Du Noyer’s development as a geologist, and his transformation from artist to geologist. It discusses Du Noyer’s career in both the Ordnance and the Geological Surveys and considers his relationships with his superiors—relationships that were at times marked by a profound loyalty, while at other times involving a certain amount of tension, and always driven by the personalities involved. The paper also considers the motivation behind Du Noyer’s presentation of albums of sketches to the Royal Irish Academy