WHYTE'S IRISH & INTERNATIONAL ART MONDAY 31 MAY 2021 AT 6PM

82 60 Father Jack P. Hanlon (1913-1968) THE POSTOFFICE, BALTINGLASS, COUNTY WICKLOW, 1946 watercolour signed and dated lower right; inscribed by the former owner on reverse 11.25 by 15.25in. (28.6 by 38.7cm) Frame Dimensions: 20.2 by 24in. (51.3 by 61cm) Excellent condition. Provenance: Dr Alfred Rive (1898-1970); By descent to Mrs Victor Rickard, Cork; Private collection; Adam’s, 7 December 2005, lot 138; Private collection Four years after this picture was painted, there was a dispute over a political appointment of a sub postmaster which became a national scandal. In 1950, James Everett, as Minister for Posts and Telegraphs became involved in a bizarre incident known as the “Battle of Baltinglass.” Everett appointed Michael Farrell as sub-postmaster in the local post office. The office had been run by Helen Cooke for her invalid aunt, whose family had held the position since 1870. Local feeling ran high in support of Cooke, with telegraph poles being cut to prove their point. Allegations of political jobbery were denied but Everett’s action became a national issue. Farrell resigned in December 1950 and Everett bowed to the pressure and appointed Cooke. It is believed that the Baltinglass affair contributed to the downfall of the Inter- Party government in 1951. €2,000-€3,000 (£1,740-£2,610 approx.) Click here for more images and to bid on this lot60