The Basil Goulding Art Collection

Celebrating a Legacy of Vision and Patronage at Butler House

Explore one of Ireland’s most remarkable private art collections in the elegant setting of Butler House, where heritage meets contemporary culture.

The Basil Goulding Art Collection, lovingly curated and now on display throughout Butler House, offers a rare glimpse into the early careers of artists who would go on to define modern Irish art. The collection features celebrated names such as Louis le Brocquy, Camille Souter, Patrick Scott, Barrie Cooke, Anne Madden, and many more.

Sir Basil Goulding: The Collector Behind the Collection

Sir William Basil Goulding, 3rd Baronet (1909–1982), was a businessman, cricketer, and visionary patron of the arts. A discreet yet powerful force in Ireland’s cultural landscape, Sir Basil championed the work of emerging Irish artists at a time when modern art had few public supporters.

Rather than acquiring art for prestige, he collected works that spoke to him personally, and built relationships with the artists he believed in. Many of the pieces now displayed at Butler House were purchased directly from the studios of artists who would later become icons of Irish modernism.

Through a restoration and re-hanging project led by Kilkenny Civic Trust, the collection has been thoughtfully integrated into the rooms and corridors of Butler House, creating an immersive art experience for guests and visitors alike.

An Artistic Legacy Continues

In a powerful continuation of this legacy, Tim Goulding, Basil’s son and an acclaimed artist himself will exhibit his own work at Butler House during the 2025 Kilkenny Arts Festival. Known for his meditative use of colour and light, Tim’s work offers a contemporary counterpoint to the collection his father built.

This unique intergenerational dialogue transforms Butler House into not just a place to view art, but to reflect on the evolving nature of creativity, legacy, and Irish cultural identity.

Look Out for the Collection During Your Stay

Whether you're enjoying afternoon tea, attending an event, or staying overnight, keep an eye out for these exceptional artworks thoughtfully placed throughout the house. Each piece adds a new layer of meaning to your time at Butler House, a stay enriched by art, history, and character.

The collection is open daily and included as part of your visit to Butler House.

For more information please contact: info@butler.ie