7 / 112
7
paintings from the esb collection
16
th
december 2014
We are pleased to have been asked to assist ESB in the disposal, by public
auction, of these decorative artworks from its corporate collection. ESB has, for
many years supported the arts through commissioning works of art, the annual
award of prizes and through their sponsorship activities. Indeed, the company
was a pioneer in the development of corporate and industrial art collections
in Ireland. ESB has acquired art over a long period and for diverse reasons
which has resulted in the development of a broad based art portfolio, including
paintings, drawings and sculpture.
ESB’s permanent Art Collection relates directly to the organisation’s devel-
opment and captures milestones and special events in the company’s history.
Significant elements of the collection relate to the construction of power sta-
tions and extension of the electricity network throughout Ireland, for example,
the Sean Keating paintings and drawings of the building of the Shannon and
Liffey Schemes. These works will remain in the ownership of the company.
The art works for sale have been accumulated over many years but are not relat-
ed to ESB themes. Due to the reduction in the number of buildings occupied
by ESB and the move to open plan office space, an increasing number of these
paintings reside in storage.
ESB will continue with a policy of commissioning new works, conserving and
displaying its art collection and making parts of the collection available for
exhibitions and public display. The company remains committed to supporting
the Arts in Ireland and ESB’s Archive and Heritage activities and the proceeds
of this sale will be used to continue this support.
Paintings from the ESB Collection