The Taoiseach’s art choices to decorate his private office represent a cross-section of 19th and 20th century Irish work
WHEN TAOISEACH Enda Kenny reclines in his private office to contemplate matters of State he can draw on the creative influence of Jack B Yeats, Paul Henry and others for inspiration.
The Office of Public Works has provided The Irish Timeswith the full list of artworks decorating the office. The most notable piece is a portrait of Michael Collins by artist Sarah Cecilia Harrison which hangs above the famous Bossi inlaid coloured marble fireplace in his office in Government Buildings. The painting came to public notice last month when the Taoiseach was photographed in his office meeting Queen Elizabeth and British prime minister David Cameron.
One of the perks for each incoming taoiseach is the opportunity to choose a selection of art from the various State-owned collections to decorate the office.
The Collins portrait replaces one of Éamon de Valera favoured by Brian Cowen and, previously, a portrait of Pádraig Pearse that decorated the office during the Bertie Ahern era.
Kenny’s choice of art suggests he is a man of traditional and conservative taste with a fondness for landscape painting and figurative images. There is no abstract or contemporary “installation” art.
Kenny's office has 10 pieces of art – seven pictures and three sculptures. Only one artist is represented twice – Paul Henry with paintings entitled: In the West of Irelandand Connemara Landscape.In a further nod to his Mayo home, Kenny also has a painting called Achillby Raymond McGrath.
The east coast is represented with a view of Dublin Bay, while Jack B Yeats makes the grade with a painting of a race card seller which was acquired by the State in 1955 at the behest of former taoiseach John A Costello.
Apart from Michael Collins, the only other figure from Irish history to feature is a print of a portrait of Thomas Francis Meagher, the 19th century leader of the Young Irelanders who was transported to Van Diemen’s Land after the 1848 Rising.
The sculpture is more modern and includes pieces by living artists Melanie le Brocquy, John Behan and the late Conor Fallon.
Commenting on the Taoiseach’s choices, James O’Halloran, managing director of Ireland’s largest fine art auctioneers, Adam’s of St Stephen’s Green, said: “Enda Kenny should count himself particularly lucky to have at his disposal a wonderful selection of artworks from the national collection. His choice is a superb cross-section of some of the best of 19th and 20th century Irish art.”
He added: “All these pieces are ideal works to quietly represent the best of Irish art even if they do represent the conservative school. But then again let’s not forget that it’s an office for doing some serious work in.”
