Dublin conference inspired by Chicago exhibition

A day-long conference entitled Art in the Country House, presented by the Irish Georgian Society and the Office of Public Works takes place in George's Hall, Dublin Castle on Thursday (April 23rd).

The event coincides with Ireland: Crossroads of Art and Design, 1690-1840, a major exhibition under way at the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago. It features 300 exhibits, including many paintings and objects that once adorned Ireland's 'Big Houses', on loan from private American collections.

Speakers include Christopher Monkhouse, curator of the Chicago exhibition, who will give the keynote address Moving Objects: A Pictorial Progress. From The Irish Country House to North American Collections.

Among other speakers and topics are Lynda Mulvin (Irish Collectors of Classical Sculpture: From Downhill to Russborough and The Getty Venus); Susan Kellett (The Challenges of Keeping Collections in Country Houses Today); Robert O'Byrne (Two Centuries of Country House Sales); Peter Murray (Bantry House & The Guardis); and Kevin Mulligan (Oculi Desolationem: The Disappearance of the Bellamont Busts).

Tickets cost € 65. See igs.ie for further details and booking or phone the Irish Georgian Society at 01- 679 8675. The sumptuous catalogue for the Chicago exhibition is also available for sale, price €50, from the IGS shop online or in City Assembly House, 58 South William Street, Dublin 2.