P erched high on the terraces of Dalkey with views over the glimmering Irish sea, Monte Alverno has provided the perfect setting for a remarkable collection of English and Irish furniture and Irish paintings. The light-filled rooms have housed beautifully carved and patinated Irish furniture dating from the mid-eighteenth century through to later pieces by Hicks of Dublin, partnered with gilded mirrors, Chinese works of art and fine English furniture ranging from a magnificent scarlet-japanned Queen Ann bureau-cabinet to elegant Georgian and Regency pieces. The walls have been adorned with paintings by Jack B. Yeats, William Scott, James Arthur O’Connor, Patrick Swift and other renowned Irish artists. Each piece has been chosen with careful thought, a discerning eye and with a keen consideration for form, colour and surface. Acquired at auction and from the major dealers of London and Dublin over the past three decades, this collection has been formed with great passion and includes many pieces with distinguished provenance from collections of the past.
Whilst several of the paintings and pieces of furniture have been retained to adorn a new residence, what is offered here represents many years of actively seeking out works for Monte Alverno which has brought a tremendous amount of joy, both in their acquisition and ownership. The time has now come to allow other collectors the opportunity to live with these wonderful works.
