The acclaimed Belfast artist Colin Davidson, noted for his portraits of Angela Merkel and Queen Elizabeth, has become embroiled in a legal wrangle with one of Dublin’s best-known art dealers. Davidson, who has also painted Ed Sheeran and Brad Pitt, is suing the Oliver Sears Gallery, and Sears personally, looking for a substantial number of his artworks to be returned. The 51-year-old also wants to sever ties with the gallery, which has a highly regarded stable of contemporary artists including Hughie O’Donoghue, Michael Canning and the late Barrie Cooke. High Court proceedings were issued yesterday against the Gallery and London-born…

Join The Currency

INTRODUCTORY OFFER: Full annual membership for just €200.

Don’t miss out on what is going on with our daily unique stories from our team of skilled journalists and insightful commentators.

Members of The Currency get full access to over 4,000 exclusive interviews, investigations, and analysis, plus over 460 podcasts.

Annual membership is just €200 for the first year, a saving of €100.

Or try The Currency for the first month for a special introductory rate of €5, a saving of €20.

Cancel at any time.

To become a member today click here.