Beatrice Behan (née Ffrench-Salkeld)
(1928-1993), PainterSitter in 4 portraits
It was after studying Art and working as an assistant at the National Museum in Dublin that Beatrice, the daughter of painter Cecil ffrench-Salkeld, would meet Brendan Behan, marrying him in 1955. She would go on to have an enormous influence on her husband's work, also illustrating his book Hold Your Hour and Have Another (1963). After his early death Beatrice published the memoir My Life with Brendan (1974).
Brendan Behan and Beatrice Behan (née Ffrench-Salkeld)
by Michael Peto
modern bromide print from original negative, September 1959
NPG x137671
Beatrice Behan (née Ffrench-Salkeld); Brendan Behan
by Ida Kar
vintage bromide print, 1959
NPG x138146
Beatrice Behan (née Ffrench-Salkeld); Brendan Behan
by Ida Kar
2 1/4 inch square film negative, 1959
NPG x138226
Beatrice Behan (née Ffrench-Salkeld); Brendan Behan
by Ida Kar
2 1/4 inch square film negative, 1959
NPG x138227
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Jessie Paton
09 October 2015, 11:20
This amazing lady was married to my mum's brother. I met her whenever I went over to Dublin; she was a sensitive artistic soul a very private person, an accomplished sculptress. Beatrice was my most favourite Aunt whose company I miss as whenever I arrived Dublin I would ring her in a pub in Ballsbridge where she lived. In addition I remember going to her home to visit her when she had her daughter Blanaid and son Paudge living at home. I remember the wonderful self-sculptured works as Beatrice welcomed me through her home to introduce me to my cousins. Jessie Paton daughter of Carmel Paton nee Behan