In the Frame: Art at Mason Hayes & Curran, February

Our March 'In the Frame' features 'The Smoker', by well-known Irish artist Brian Bourke. The painting hangs in one of our seventh-floor meeting rooms and is often commented on by staff and visitors to the building.

This painting was chosen as a favourite of Philip Nolan, Partner and Head of our Commercial Team. Philip said of the artwork, "I chose this piece as my favourite because there's something about the subject and the contrasting colours in the painting that brightens the room, in spite of her serious expression of contemplation. The smoking lady seems to draw you into her gaze. It's also interesting how the distinct pattern of the red brush strokes blend into the subject's hair, making it look almost like she's going up in smoke herself."

"The art collection, and particularly many of the pieces in our meeting rooms, serve as great talking points when we meet with clients and it's always interesting to hear their opinions on the art, too."

Support of visual arts is a large part of our CSR strategy and we are a long-time supporter of the organisation “Business to Arts”, whose aim is to broker, enable and support creative partnerships between business and the arts. See here for more information on our CSR and art activities.