London, 23 October 2019 – For those who knew him, the nickname ‘Gentle Paddy’ evokes fond memories of one of Ireland’s most successful property developers. In the spring of next year, Sotheby’s will offer works from the estate of the late Patrick Kelly (1942-2011), from 44 Fitzwilliam Square, the family’s Georgian home in Dublin.

Arabella Bishop, Head of Sotheby’s Dublin Office, commented: “I have known Patrick and his collection for many years. 44 Fitzwilliam Square was a truly stunning setting to showcase the paintings, furniture, and objects which he collected from around the world over a number of decades. In holding a dedicated auction, we are able to celebrate Patrick’s vision and look forward to sharing it with collectors not only in Ireland but internationally.”

Comprising over 120 lots, the auction will take place at Sotheby’s in London on 18 March 2020. Preceding the sale, this autumn Sotheby’s will open the doors of 44 Fitzwilliam Square to reveal this special, private collection to the public.

The entire contents will be available for viewing in Dublin from Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 October: 14 paintings on public exhibition at the Royal Hibernian Academy alongside highlights from Sotheby’s forthcoming annual Irish Art sale on 19 November, and the remainder of the collection on display at the Fitzwilliam Square townhouse, by appointment, with viewing in many of the most elegant and beautiful rooms.

An avid collector, Patrick Kelly furnished his Dublin home with a stunning array of Irish pictures recognising the tradition of Irish painting from the 18th to 20th centuries and encompassing works by George Barret, Daniel Maclise, Paul Henry, Roderic O’Conor, Jack B. Yeats and William Scott, among others. These paintings were wonderfully complemented in the interiors of 44 Fitzwilliam Square with fine Georgian and Regency furniture, silver and decorative arts, amassed by Kelly from auctions and dealers over the past three decades. Highlights include a pair of important George II Irish mirrors supplied to Sankey Winter, Dean of Kildare and marquetry tables attributed to William Moore of Dublin.

The collection as a whole reveals Patrick’s passion for Irish art and his discerning eye, with pictures and furniture beautifully married within the elegant surroundings of his Georgian home. Central to the collection are five paintings by Jack B. Yeats, including The Showground Revisited, painted in 1950 (est. £150,000-250,000 / €170,000-282,000) and Young Men, painted in 1929 (est. £150,000-250,000 / €170,000-282,000), and an exceptional work by William Scott, entitled Deep Blues (est. £300,000-500,000 / €339,000-565,000).