RTÉ Investigates Ownership of €60K Gerard Dillon Painting NOW

UPDATE: A painting valued at approximately €60,000 has been on display in RTÉ’s offices for decades, but the broadcaster has just revealed it is uncertain who owns the artwork. The piece, titled Kitchen Interior with Seated Woman by the renowned artist Gerard Dillon, may have been loaned 50 years ago by an unnamed art gallery.

During a live interview on RTÉ Radio’s Drivetime, RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst confirmed that the broadcaster is actively trying to locate the necessary paperwork to clarify the painting’s provenance. “We believe it may well have been lent to us by an art gallery about 40 or 50 years ago, and we’re trying to find the paperwork,” Bakhurst stated, highlighting the complexity of the situation, as the art gallery has not been able to produce any documentation.

The National Gallery has expressed interest in reclaiming the artwork if it turns out to belong to them. “To the best of our knowledge, it may well be theirs. We need to bottom it out. If it is, we’ll give it back to them, obviously,” Bakhurst added, emphasizing RTÉ’s commitment to due diligence.

Dillon, a self-taught artist from Belfast, rose to prominence in the Irish avant-garde scene before his passing in 1971. His works are highly regarded, and this particular painting has been displayed inconspicuously in an RTÉ office for years, with ownership only being questioned recently.

The revelation has prompted RTÉ to conduct a broader internal review, uncovering other historical irregularities, including financial discrepancies. Bakhurst reiterated RTÉ’s stance on not retaining property it does not own, stating, “We just want to be sure before we hand it back.”

This ongoing investigation not only raises questions about the painting’s ownership but also reflects RTÉ’s commitment to transparency and accountability. As the search continues, RTÉ is examining historical records to determine if any proof exists regarding the loan or purchase of the artwork.

Stay tuned for updates as RTÉ works to resolve this intriguing art ownership mystery.