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The iconic stained glass panels at Bewley’s Cafe on Grafton Street are among the valuable works of art that will be donated to the public when owner Paddy Campbell retires.
Ownership of the decorative glass panels, commissioned by Bewley’s from artists such as Harry Clarke, Pauline Bewick and Jim Fitzpatrick, has already been transferred to the coffee’s parent company.
It is understood that the artwork will later be donated to an “appropriate institution” as part of the retirement wishes of Campbell, 78.
This could offer the parent company a lucrative tax break in the future.
But as an accomplished artist, Campbell says his motivation is for cultural heritage to be preserved for future generations to enjoy.
The glass panels will remain in situ on Grafton Street as part of the process.
“Bewley’s belongs to the people of Ireland. The Harry Clarke panels, in particular, are a national treasure that we would love to see become public property through a donation to an appropriate institution, ”he said.
The works of Mr. Campbell himself are part of the collection, which also includes the decorative stained glass panels, which are mainly on display in the Grafton Street cafe at this time.
The stained glass panels are extremely valuable and are insured by Bewley’s for a replacement cost of 2 million euros.
The transfer of ownership will mean that the parent company can now continue to financially support the coffee in the future. Bewley’s It has had a turbulent year as, like other cafes, it was closed on March 16 when the government announced the national closure restrictions on Covid-19.
In May, it appeared that the famous place would be closed forever with the loss of 110 jobs.
He had been the subject of a protracted legal battle with owner RGRE, a company controlled by developer Johnny Ronan, over rent arrears.
But in August it was confirmed that the cafe could gradually reopen.
Speaking at the time about his high-profile feud with Ronan on renting 1.5 million euros a year for the iconic cafe, Campbell said it was not “personal” but “much more business.”
Now, as he prepares for retirement, Mr. Campbell said, “My wife Veronica and I are proud of the Bewley collection, which has been built over many years, bringing great joy to our customers wherever it has been displayed.
“We are aware of the need to preserve Bewley’s unique heritage, which has become an integral part of our culture over the last century.
“Our wish is that the works of art remain in the Grafton Street facility and are freely accessible to the general public to allow their viewing.
“To unlock the value of these artworks for Bewley’s Cafe, their ownership has been transferred to the parent company of the cafe, allowing the parents to continue to financially support the cafe.”
Campbell also paid tribute to customer support as the company went through a difficult year amid the pandemic and uncertainty about the future.
“We have been overwhelmed by the response from the public this year. People need his connection to Bewley more than ever during these difficult days.
“I will miss the day-to-day hustle and bustle, the sounds and the people, but I am happy to have built on the legacy of art, culture and conversation started by the cafe’s founder, Ernest Bewley.
“This café is the beating heart of Dublin, but also the heart of my own family of three generations – myself, my son and my grandson – working here until now to ensure we provide a memorable visit for every guest.”
Campbell this year became the first non-Italian winner of the Giotto e l’Angelico Prize, a prestigious annual award for his contribution to cultural life in the Tuscan region.
One of his most striking sculptures, Life and death, adorns the main square of the city of Vicchio.
Irish independent
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