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Ambassador’s residence filled with Irish art
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EDITOR’S note:
In this column, we feature a series of articles focusing on the homes of diplomats in China. Visit www.shanghaidaily.com/sunday/home-and-design to see the previous issue of the house of Dutch Ambassador to China.
WHEN Paul Kavanagh received the post of ambassador of Ireland in Beijing two and a half years ago, he was more than thrilled. He had worked in Beijing as a junior diplomat in 1981, and had some nostalgic feelings toward the city.
“It was in the year of 1980. We’ve got this building complex as Irish embassy and it is still here till now,” Kavanagh said. “At the beginning, we had all the staff living in the compound. This year, we are doubling the size of the embassy and reconfigurating the offices.”
He added, “The Irish government is strongly committed to building up Ireland’s close relations with China. The embassy is both a platform and a showcase for Ireland in this vast country.”
The first thing after Kavanagh and his wife Rosemary Kavanagh settled in was to change the style and ambience of the embassy reception area and the residence to make it more welcoming.
“The space was worn-down and tired. We have renovated the space extensively last year to introduce the modern dynamic image of Ireland,” Kavanagh said.
“It is my fifth time as an ambassador and each time at each location my wife and I had renovated the space. We’re known as renovators,” the ambassador said with Irish humor.
With new curtains, new carpets, new furniture, new Irish art all around, the Irish embassy got a new look.
The simplicity of the spacious interior and abundant natural light make for a perfect backdrop for the collection of modern classic furniture and a well-curated collection of Irish artworks at the reception area.
The ambassador proudly pointed out the artworks by Irish artists Hughie O’Donoghue, Brian Bourke, Varvara Shavrova, Gwen Wilkenson, Jay Murphy and Niall Naessens, a diverse mixture of Irish landscape paintings and abstract art.
“When choosing the artworks, we wanted something modern, large and something that will make an impact, showing the diversity, vitality, creativity of Ireland,” Kavanagh said. “Ireland is a modern country,” with a young and highly educated population, he said.
Walking from the grand reception area to the formal dining room past European chandeliers and decorative pieces, the paintings capture visitors’ attention. The Suzhou silk embroidery of the Lady of Guoguo on a spring outing is reproduced from a traditional painting in China that the ambassador purchased in a local art gallery.
The inner reflections and expressions of the Tang Dynasty people are accentuated by the fine lined drawing and color layout. Its rich colors and the relaxed movements of people and horses in the painting make a great cultural backdrop for the ambassador’s guests to dine in the room.
The reception rooms in the embassy are functional, formal and a little artsy with unpretentious but modern furniture. But it is the ambassador’s residence behind the main building that represents the true spirit that Kavanagh would like to share with his Chinese friends and counterparts.
His motivation for renovating the residence also came from a true love of art and style and a strong belief that the best way to show what your country represents is by showing the real lifestyle of its people.
“The space was very old and worn-out with a bad layout blocking the natural light. The first thing we did was to change the layout and maximize the space,” he said.
Kavanagh and his wife Rosemary, who is a designer and chairman of the Beijing International Society, upholstered the old furniture of the residence and brought in new home accessories such as carpets, curtains and cushions to brighten up the place.
“As we wanted to maximize the space, we used bright colors for the furniture and accessories. Even the horizontal scales of the art pieces on the wall give off the effect of an enlarged living room,” he said.
Some important historic photos are displayed in the library shelves, from the meeting with Deng Xiaoping at the Great Hall of the People when Kavanagh worked for the UN Secretary General to a scene of negotiations toward the end of the Iran-Iraq War in 1988. Family photos, however, got a more prominent spot in the living room.
He is especially proud of the large format photo of the Great Wall of China illuminated in green for St. Patrick’s Day. ``The Chinese authorities have made this excellent gesture of friendship to Ireland and we Irish appreciate this very much,’’ Kavanagh said.
The art pieces and decorative items in this residence are mainly from Ireland along with a few from Kavanagh’s travels during his diplomatic career. With limited space, Kavanagh has chosen the ones closes to his heart.
“It’s a welcoming, cozy residence where I can reflect and my guests feel at home,” Kavanagh said.
The ambassador’s life is busy and can be quite demanding, according to Kavanagh. “All the time I’m representing my country with so many public engagements. So when I get a chance to relax, I don’t want to go out and join the crowds, but retreat into my own zone: read a book, play music and do whatever I want.”
Kavanagh is familiar with Beijing. “We had a great time in those days in the 1980s. I used to ice skate in the Summer Palace. I was the captain of the diplomatic football team back then. We used to hang out in an old restaurant on Friday evenings having jiaozi and local beer.”
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