Art with a Heart: John Behan’s ‘Birds in Flight’
Next Saturday, November 23, Woodward Auctioneers in Cork will be buzzing with excitement – and not just because it’s their annual science experiment in chaos and crowd control. They’ll be featuring renowned contemporary sculptor John Behan’s . To be clear, this isn’t some new-age yoga retreat; we’re talking serious art here, set to auction at a tongue-twisting estimate of €8,000-€12,000.
For those fortunately in the know, Behan isn’t just a bronze maestro; he’s the star of a new feature-length film , directed by Donald Taylor-Black. This film explores his incredible work with migrant camps in Greece. So, don’t worry if you can’t quite figure out the value of a doodle you made last week – at least Behan’s got a purpose beyond keeping his cat entertained!
Art for a Cause
Behan’s commitment to social justice is deeply woven into his work and, at the ripe age of mid-80s, he’s still busy giving art workshops to migrants and refugees in Athens. Talk about a busy retirement plan! One might argue he’s got more significant plans than most of us have in a lifetime, and it’s not just about auctions and accolades; it is about empowering others through art. Can someone please get him an award already?
Now, as the birds prepare for flight, over at Woodward’s, the auction kicks off at 10am sharp. We can almost hear the high-pitched auctioneer screaming ‘Next!’, as around 150 lots of silver shimmer under the spotlight. Not just any old silver, mind you – we’re talking pieces that’ll make you ponder if you actually need a retirement fund or something made by William Egan and Sons instead.
A Treat for Antiques Lovers
But wait, there’s more! Have a taste for the unique? The auction will also feature an incredible array of Irish and English silver including the old Cork silver strawberry dish—what everyone needs in their life! Suggested retail for that beauty? A jaw-dropping €800-€1,200. That’s more than your average birthday gift, isn’t it? Other temptations include a c1790 cream jug by Samuel Green (yes, the time traveler who happily dropped his cream jug) for a crispy €700-€900, and a selection of antique furniture bargains that’ll have you eyeing up your living room all weekend long.
Antique lovers, rejoice! We’re talking a small inlaid William and Mary bureau and a Queen Anne walnut chest—each potentially available for just €500-€800. Now, if you’re confused about how to fit a Victorian D-end dining table into your two-bedroom flat, don’t worry; we all have our battles.
For the art aficionados, there are also pastel works like Fisher’s Quay by Norah McGuinness for €2,000-€3,000 and a nostalgic watercolour of the old Cork Opera House by Neil Kelleher, with proceeds funneling into a wisteria tunnel project. Yes, because nothing screams ‘fundraising’ like a plant-covered house and a tunnel that leads to… well, nowhere…
When and Where?
If any of this has tickled your fancy, the auction will be viewable at Woodward’s from 2pm to 4pm today and tomorrow, then from 10am to 4pm daily next week. Bring your reading glasses, your inside jokes, and a cheeky bid or two! We can’t promise you serenity during your shopping spree, but we can assure you it’ll be a riot among the antiques!
So, whether you’re planning to snag exotic artworks or drool over historical silver, it looks like Cork is the place to be for art and antiques this November. And remember—if you can’t find your perfect piece, just blame it on the busyness of the auctions!
Next Saturday, November 23, the spotlight will shine on John Behan’s captivating bronze sculpture, , during an exciting online auction at Woodward Auctioneers in Cork. A celebrated figure in contemporary sculpture, Behan is not only known for his artistic talents but is also the focus of a poignant new feature-length film titled . This film, directed by Donald Taylor-Black, chronicles his impactful involvement with migrant camps in Greece, reflecting a deep commitment to social justice that has been a hallmark of his work.
In his mid-80s, Behan has actively led art workshops for migrants and refugees in Athens, utilizing his craft to foster hope and connection among displaced communities. The sculpture featured in the auction carries an estimated value of €8,000-€12,000, inviting collectors and art lovers to partake in this extraordinary opportunity.
The auction will kick off at 10am with around 150 lots of silver, including exquisite pieces from Cork’s finest silversmiths.
Notable items among a selection of Irish and English silver include a Cork silver strawberry dish crafted by William Egan and Sons in 1966, with an estimated value of €800-€1,200. Other sought-after pieces include a 1974 sauceboat from the same makers (€400-€800), a circa 1790 cream jug by Samuel Green of Cork (€700-€900), and a circa 1745 tablespoon by George Hodder (€350-€450).
Among the rich assortment of artworks, highlights include Norah McGuinness’s enchanting piece Fisher’s Quay, Youghal priced between €2,000 and €3,000, and a delicate watercolour titled The Old Houses at World’s End by John C. Bosanquet (€300-€500). Artist Neil Kelleher, famed for his beloved plant-covered house on South Douglas Road in Cork, has also contributed a nostalgic watercolour of the old Cork Opera House. The proceeds from Kelleher’s work will support the creation of Ireland’s longest wisteria tunnel, currently under construction at Dominic Cullinane’s garden centre at Curraghbeg Nurseries, Ovens.
A diverse selection of antique furniture, often available at exceptional value, will be featured in the catalogue. Treasures include a small inlaid William and Mary bureau, a Queen Anne walnut chest on chest, and a William IV walnut wine cooler, each estimated between €500-€800. Moreover, an elegantly crafted Sheraton tea table is valued at €600-€800, alongside an Edwardian kneehole desk (€200-€300) and a Victorian D-end dining table (€400-€600), providing a wealth of options for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The sale is on view at Woodward’s from 2pm to 4pm today and tomorrow, extending an invitation for art aficionados to explore and appreciate the offerings during the entire week, with daily viewings from 10am to 4pm.
How does John Behan’s involvement in the film ’Odyssey’ relate to his artistic work and social justice efforts?
**Interview with John Behan: Celebrating ‘Birds in Flight’ at Woodward Auctioneers**
**Editor:** Good morning, John! Thank you for joining us today. We’re all excited about your upcoming auction at Woodward Auctioneers featuring your stunning sculpture, ‘Birds in Flight’. Can you tell us what inspired this particular piece?
**John Behan:** Good morning! The inspiration for ‘Birds in Flight’ came from my deep appreciation for nature and the theme of freedom. Birds have always symbolized liberation for me, and I wanted to capture that essence in bronze. It’s a reminder of resilience, something I think is essential, especially in today’s world.
**Editor:** That’s beautiful! I understand that alongside your art, you are currently involved in a feature film titled ‘Odyssey’. How does this film relate to your work, particularly with migrant camps in Greece?
**John Behan:** ‘Odyssey’, directed by Donald Taylor-Black, depicts not just my journey as an artist, but also my dedication to bringing hope through art to those in migrant camps. It’s been a humbling experience to teach workshops in Athens. Art has the power to connect people, and I’ve seen how it can instill a sense of agency and belonging in individuals who have been displaced.
**Editor:** It’s inspiring to see how you use your art for social justice. Now, let’s talk about the auction. With an estimated value of €8,000-€12,000 for ‘Birds in Flight’, what do you hope collectors take away from acquiring your work?
**John Behan:** I hope they not only see the value in the sculpture itself but also feel a connection to its message. Owning a piece of art that embodies freedom and resilience can serve as a reminder of the potential for change and hope in society.
**Editor:** The auction will also feature a variety of exquisite antique silver pieces. Are you a collector of antiques yourself, or do you prefer to focus solely on your own creations?
**John Behan:** I do appreciate antiques! They tell stories and reflect the craftsmanship of the past. Every piece carries a history that can enrich our understanding of art and culture. I have a particular respect for silversmiths like William Egan and Sons who have contributed so much to Ireland’s rich artistic heritage.
**Editor:** What a fascinating perspective! if our readers are interested in joining the auction, what would you say to encourage them to attend?
**John Behan:** I would say it’s not just about purchasing art; it’s a wonderful opportunity to engage with a vibrant community of art lovers and collectors. The atmosphere at auctions is electric, and it’s a chance to discover pieces that resonate with you personally. Plus, knowing that part of the proceeds goes to good causes makes it all the more rewarding.
**Editor:** Thank you so much, John! It’s been a pleasure to speak with you. We look forward to seeing ‘Birds in Flight’ soar at the auction next Saturday!
**John Behan:** Thank you! I hope to see many of you there. Let’s celebrate art together!
