RGRE Grafton Ltd v Bewley's Cafe Grafton Street Ltd and Bewley’s Ltd is an Irish legal case in the High Court between building owners RGRE Grafton Ltd and tenants Bewley's Cafe Grafton Street Ltd and Bewley's Ltd.[1] The case related to non-payment of rent during the COVID-19 pandemic.[2] RGRE sought a declaration that the stained-glass windows, designed by Harry Clarke, at Bewley's Oriental Café on Grafton Street in Dublin form part of the building and therefore belong to the landlord, as opposed to decorative panels that belong to the tenants.[3][4][5][6][7][8]
| RGRE v Bewley's | |
|---|---|
 Windows of former Bewley's Café | |
| Court | Irish High Court |
| Full case name | RGRE Grafton Ltd v Bewley's Cafe Grafton Street Ltd and Bewley’s Ltd |
| Decided | TBC[needs update] |
| Court membership | |
| Judge sitting | Mr Justice Denis McDonald |
In October 2022 it was announced that the judgment from Mr Justice Denis McDonald would be delayed until at least 8 December.[9] In January 2023 the court decided that some of the windows belonged to the landlord and some to the tenant. [10]
In July 2024, the Court of Appeal ruled (overturning part of the 2023 ruling) that all six of the works were part of building and therefore the property of RGRE Grafton Ltd.[11]
References
edit- ^ "Ownership of Bewley's stained-glass windows in dispute". The Irish Times. 8 March 2022.
- ^ Collins, Liam (27 March 2022). "Clarke's genius has gone out the window as bitter legal row brews". Irish Independent.
- ^ O'Carroll, Lisa (21 March 2022). "When is a window not a window? Bewley's Cafe claims stained glass are moveable artworks in court". The Guardian.
- ^ "Court to rule on row over Harry Clarke windows in Bewley's Cafe". The Irish Times. 16 March 2022.
- ^ Healy, Tim (26 February 2022). "High Court judge to visit Bewley's to inspect Harry Clarke windows". Irish Independent.
- ^ O’Loughlin, Ann (25 February 2022). "High Court judge to inspect Harry Clarke windows operation in Bewley's Cafe case". Irish Examiner.
- ^ Sanz, Catherine (20 March 2022). "Is it a window or is it art? Johnny Ronan court case over Bewley's Clarke windows inspires colourful sparring". Business Post.
- ^ "Bewley's wants taxpayer to foot rent bill, landlord tells court". Irish Times. 1 February 2021.
- ^ Sanz, Catherine (15 October 2022). "Judgment on Bewley's Harry Clarke windows is delayed". Business Post.
- ^ "High Court rules on Bewley's 'windows' row". Law Society of Ireland Gazette. 20 January 2023.
- ^ Traynor, Vivienne (31 July 2024). "Court rules Bewley's windows property of building owner". RTÉ News. Retrieved 31 July 2024.