A fresh row is brewing between Bewley’s and its landlord Ronan Group Real Estate – this time over ownership of iconic stained-glass panels worth about €2m.
RGRE, controlled by developer Johnny Ronan, has written to Bewley’s “seeking written acknowledgement” from the company that it does not have any claim to them.
It comes as Bewley’s owner Paddy Campbell stated he intended to donate the valuable artwork to the public as he heads into retirement.
Ownership of the decorative glass panels, commissioned by Bewley’s from artists including Harry Clarke, Pauline Bewick and Jim Fitzpatrick, has already been transferred to the café’s parent company.
A fresh row is brewing between Bewley’s and its landlord Ronan Group Real Estate – this time over ownership of iconic stained-glass panels worth about €2m.
RGRE, controlled by developer Johnny Ronan, has written to Bewley’s “seeking written acknowledgement” from the company that it does not have any claim to them.
It comes as Bewley’s owner Paddy Campbell stated he intended to donate the valuable artwork to the public as he heads into retirement.
Ownership of the decorative glass panels, commissioned by Bewley’s from artists including Harry Clarke, Pauline Bewick and Jim Fitzpatrick, has already been transferred to the café’s parent company.
The glass panels will stay in situ on Grafton Street as part of the process.
“Bewley’s belongs to the people of Ireland. The Harry Clarke panels, in particular, are a national treasure that we would love to see move into public ownership through a donation to a suitable institution,” he said.
Mr Campbell’s own works feature as part of the collection, which also includes the decorative stained-glass panels, primarily on display in the Grafton Street cafe at the moment.
The stained-glass panels are extremely valuable, and are insured by Bewley’s for a replacement cost of €2m.
The transfer of ownership will mean that the parent company can now continue to financially support the cafe into the future. Bewley’s has had a turbulent year as, like other cafes, it was shut down on March 16 when the Government announced national Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.
Gifts of enduring value: Whyte s announces Christmas online auction
Graham Knuttel (b.1954), Red Cat. Oil on canvas. Size: 9.45 x 14in. (24 x 35.56cm). Framed Size: 13.25 x 17.25in. (33.66 x 43.82cm). Estimate: 1,000 - 1,500.
DUBLIN
.- Looking for inspiration this Christmas? Why not decorate that home office? Whytes online only auction on 11-16 December will offer shoppers a chance to acquire something of lasting value for their walls, tables or Christmas stockings this festive season. From artworks to silver, sculpture and wine, Whytes have Christmas wrapped up!
From stunning contemporary paintings and prints by well-known Irish names such as Louis le Brocquy, Patrick Scott, Robert Ballagh, Cecil King, Graham Knuttel, John Kingerlee, Pauline Bewick, Gladys Maccabe, Kenneth Webb, Peter Collis, Arthur Maderson to international superstars such as Damien Hirst and Sean Scully there is something to suit all tastes, budgets and wall sizes. For music fans there are artworks