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Hidden Histories: Chester Beatty

It's 70 years since one of the world's most exciting and remarkable culture collections was born...

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12.59 30 Aug 2020


Hidden Histories: Chester Beatty



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12.59 30 Aug 2020


It's 70 years since one of the world's most exciting and remarkable culture collections was born - not in one of the world's major metropolises, but actually here in Ireland.

We're talking about the Chester Beatty Library, on the grounds of Dublin Castle, set up in 1950.

It's a fascinating story for several reasons - firstly because of how a single collector managed to assemble such an amazing trove of materials - but also because of how an American mining millionaire ended up settling in Ireland and gifting his treasures to the State.

So how exactly did a personal friend of Winston Churchill end up receiving an Irish state funeral after donating such an amazing collection?

To discuss further, Donal Fallon joined Gavan Reilly this week for another episode of Hidden Histories.

Listen and subscribe to On The Record with Gavan Reilly on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.

    

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Read more about

Chester Beatty Chester Beatty Library Donal Fallon Dublin Castle Hidden Histories Winston Churchill

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