Francis Bacon

Born to English parents in Dublin, Francis Bacon, post-modernist, is claimed as an Irish artist as well as an English artist. Best known for his triptych style works, some of which are in the top 20 list of most expensive paintings in the world. He used acrylics, oils, mainly on canvas. A replica of his studio was bought and set up at the Hugh Lane Gallery in Dublin. He even used the walls of his studio to test paint, tones and mixtures. Several bits of corduroy trousers were also found in his studio, and the imprint of this material can be seen in some of his canvasses.

Art Sale

In 2007 over 40 Irish art works were auctioned belonging to the estate of Richard Hatch. The collection included a painting by Louis Le Brocquy, his Traveller Man, and also Neville Johnston and Colin Middleton. The entire collection achieved over 2 million dollars. Middleton moves betwen expressionism, surrealism and cubism. He is largely self taught and is a hugely prolific painter. Le Brocquy painted watercolours, oils and can be viewed in the Crawford Gallery in Cork.