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"Iveagh Pictures" Exhibition Opens in Farmleigh



Thursday 5th November 2009

PRESS RELEASE

"Iveagh Pictures" Exhibition Opens in Farmleigh

A new exhibition of works from the collection of Edward Cecil Guinness, 1st Earl of Iveagh (1847-1927) was opened this evening by the Office of Public Works in Farmleigh House in Dublin.  Entitled "Iveagh Pictures", the exhibition presents the Office of Public Works with the opportunity to bring to the public, for the first time, a selection of art works from the collection of Edward Cecil Guinness.

Speaking at the official opening, Chairman of the Office of Public Works, Clare McGrath said "As a great-grandson of the first Arthur Guinness, the Earl followed in the Guinness family tradition of philanthropy. Known as a sophisticated elegant gentleman, the Earl was a well-travelled connoisseur of fine art, textiles and furniture.  This exhibition focuses on paintings, sculpture, drawings and prints collected by the 1st Earl.  The art works are on loan from important public and private collections from the United Kingdom and Ireland". 

 Ms. McGrath continued "Among the Earl’s contributions to Dublin are the donation of the Iveagh Gardens (now managed by the Office of Public Works) and St. Patrick's Park and the foundation of the Iveagh Trust in 1890.  This is a very significant week in the history of Farmleigh.  Tonight we are here to open this fascinating exhibition and tomorrow we return to mark the donation, by the Guinness family, of the Benjamin Iveagh library to the Irish State, namely to Marsh's library".

The Exhibition is open to the public until Wednesday 23rd December on the Ground and Mezzanine Floors in Farmleigh House during normal opening hours; Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm.  Admission is free.

Ends.