13. Family Art Patronage Created the Guinness Arts Collection
The Guinness family’s dedication to the arts is evident through their extensive art collection, which supports Irish artists and museums. Edward Cecil Guinness, 1st Earl of Iveagh, amassed a significant collection of Old Master and British paintings, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Gainsborough, Reynolds, and Turner. This collection, known as the Iveagh Bequest, was donated to the nation and is housed at Kenwood House in London. In Ireland, the Guinness family has been instrumental in promoting contemporary art. Farmleigh House, the family’s Dublin estate, showcases a diverse range of artworks, including pieces by Tony Cragg and Brian King. Additionally, the Guinness Gallery in Foxrock, Dublin, specializes in contemporary art glass and supports various artists (farmleigh.ie).
