Saturday

Bacon & le Brocquy Irish Art Auction

Independent.ie reports that legal eagles are expected to be among those hoping to swoop on a top barrister's irish art collection when it goes under the hammer later this month. Paintings by Francis Bacon and Louis le Brocquy are among the works in the late Jim O'Driscoll's catalogue, to be sold at the Whyte's auction in Dublin. The Important Irish Art event will also feature a sought-after Paul Henry painting discovered at a valuation in Belfast. A staunch supporter of avant-garde Irish artists, Mr O'Driscoll amassed his impressive collection over four decades. Many of the contemporary works he snapped up were loaned for exhibitions in public galleries and museums. "He had an eye for the paintings and became very good friends with a lot of artists," said a Whyte's spokeswoman. "We've had a lot of legal people in. It will be a coveted item within the legal profession to have something from his collection." The Paul Henry landscape - a separate lot in the auction - is thought to depict the MacGillycuddy's Reeks in Co Kerry. Auctioneers at Whyte's are predicting the piece will reach between 60,000 euro and 80,000 euro at the auction on May 31. The spokeswoman said: "To uncover a Paul Henry in this day and age is unusual because most people have pillaged their assets looking for a Henry. It's nice. It gets people's hopes up that there's a gem out there." For full source and full article click the Headline. Irish Art