In arguably the most important act of philanthropy in Irish history, the late Sir Alfred and Lady Beit donated their €100 million art collection – including a Vermeer – to the National Gallery of Ireland in 1987.
So their former home, Russborough House outside Blessington, Co Wicklow is an appropriate venue for a "Paintings Valuation Day" on Saturday August 2nd .
Three experts from international auctioneers Christie's – Henry Pettifer, international director, Old Master Paintings; Bernard Williams, international director, British & Irish Art; and Peter Flory, director, Old Master 18th & 19th Century Paintings – will attend to value paintings brought along by members of the public. Please note that the valuation is for paintings and pictures only – not antiques or collectibles.
The event takes place from 10am-4pm and there's free parking. Eric Blatchford, chief executive officer of Russborough House said that Christie's were not charging for the service but he was requesting a donation of "€5 for one item and €10 for two or three items – with a maximum of three items per person so that everyone gets a chance to meet the Christie's people".
Any funds raised will go towards the cost of repairing the roof of the house which is open to the public and is one of Ireland’s most beautiful and interesting stately homes.
