The Irish-based Alfred Beit Foundation has halted the sale of seven Old Master paintings, which were due to be auctioned at Christie’s in July. On 24 June the foundation announced that it was postponing the sale following “a proposal from private Irish donors for the possible purchase of artworks”. If this private sale proceeds, the pictures would presumably be lent for long-term display at the former Beit home, Russborough House, or the National Gallery of Ireland. At this stage the donors have not been named.
The seven pictures being sold through Christie’s, including works by Rubens and Guardi, had a total estimate of £5.3m to £7.9m. They once hung in Russborough, south-west of Dublin, which is one of Ireland’s greatest country houses. In 1976, Alfred Beit donated the house and its art collection to the charitable foundation. The proceeds of the sale of the paintings, whether at Christie’s or in a private sale, would go towards an endowment to care for Russborough. The foundation says that it needs €15m for an endowment to ensure the long-term care of the house and its contents.
The foundation is now seeking a meeting with the Irish arts and heritage minister, Heather Humphreys, “to establish the Government’s support for Russborough for the future”. If arrangements over the private sale are not concluded by October, the foundation will proceed with an auction sale.
