Beatrice Hare O’Brien

LADY BEATRICE HARE O’BRIEN (1870 – 1960)

The destruction of country houses was a phenomenon of the Irish Revolutionary Years. At least 275 country houses were deliberately burned down, blown up, or otherwise destroyed.
After the malicious burning of Roslevan House in Ennis in 1922, Beatrice O’Brien and her husband sought compensation in the courts for items including a collection of rare moths, silk pyjamas, 27 jigsaw puzzles, Beatrice’s furs, 12 overcoats (some lined with camel hair), 14 evening dresses and 83 pairs of stockings.
The court accounts display tones of incredulity towards the O’Brien’s privileged lifestyle and their original compensation claim was reduced.

Oil on canvas.
60 X 50 cm