Exhibition

Gift of a Lifetime

Treasures from Chester Beatty's collection

From objects of the greatest beauty crafted for powerful rulers to treasures tracing the history of world religions, this exhibition featured artworks capturing the breadth and wonder of Beatty’s exceptional legacy.

Walsingham Bible
c. 1153
Walsingham, England
CBL W 022

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Pagoda from Darani Prayer from the Darani of One Million Pagodas
764-770
Japan
CBL J 1697.1

Gospel book
Late 11th or early 12th century
Byzantine Empire (modern Turkey or Greece)
CBL W 139

Ruzbihan Qur’an
Ruzbihan Muhammad al-Tab‘i al-Shirazi
Mid-16th century
Shiraz, Iran
CBL Is 1558

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Sir Alfred Chester Beatty’s magnificent bequest, the exhibition Gift of a Lifetime presented a choice selection of masterpieces from this unique collection. An internationally successful mining magnate and generous philanthropist, Beatty was one of the most prolific and discerning collectors of his generation. From his early years in New York, through his career in London and travels overseas, Beatty acquired rare books, manuscripts and decorative arts of the highest quality and rarity from Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Image of Sir Alfred Chester Beatty walking down Mont Dore street. c. 1934 — Chester Beatty walking down Mont Dore street.
c. 1934

Following his retirement, Beatty brought these collections to Ireland, later placing them in trust to the nation on his death in 1968. From objects of the greatest beauty crafted for powerful rulers to treasures tracing the history of world religions, the artworks featured in this exhibition and accompanying catalogue captured the breadth and wonder of this exceptional legacy: a gift to the nation, for Ireland to share with the world.