Bewley’s Café Windows Ownership Dispute Resolved in Favor of Building Owner

Dublin’s iconic Bewley’s Café on Grafton Street will remain home to its celebrated Harry Clarke stained-glass windows, following a Supreme Court ruling on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The court affirmed that the windows are the property of RGRE Grafton Limited, the building’s owner, ending a protracted legal battle with Bewley’s Café.

The Dispute

The dispute centered on the ownership of six stained-glass windows created by renowned Irish artist Harry Clarke. These windows, estimated to be worth €1 million, comprise four panels known as ‘The Four Orders’ and two panels called ‘Swan Yard’. Bewley’s Café had argued that the windows were moveable artworks, not integral parts of the building’s structure, and therefore belonged to them. RGRE Grafton Limited maintained that the windows were an inherent part of the premises.

Court Rulings

The Court of Appeal initially ruled in 2024 that the windows were “windows as a matter of law,” a decision that was appealed by Bewley’s Café. The Supreme Court today dismissed Bewley’s appeal, upholding the Court of Appeal’s decision. Previously, the High Court had ruled that four of the windows (“The Four Orders”) belonged to RGRE Grafton, even as the remaining two (“Swan Yard”) belonged to Bewley’s. This was overturned by the Court of Appeal, which determined that all six windows were the property of the landlord.

Reaction to the Ruling

RGRE Grafton Limited welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision, stating that the court recognized the windows as an integral part of the building’s fabric. Rory Williams, Chief Executive of the Ronan Group, expressed relief that the legal proceedings had concluded, stating the property was “self evidently” theirs. Bewley’s Café expressed disappointment with the judgment, noting that their intention to donate the artworks to a public institution could no longer be fulfilled.

Historical Context

The windows were commissioned by Ernest Bewley in 1927 for his new “Oriental café” and installed in 1928 at a cost of £460. The legal proceedings explored whether Bewley’s Café had actually paid for the windows at the time of installation, with the court ultimately finding insufficient evidence to support a claim of ownership by the tenant. The Supreme Court noted the windows were capable of performing functions of windows, including ventilation, which was important for the café in the 1920s due to open fires and smoking patrons.

Harry Clarke’s Legacy

Harry Clarke (1889-1931) is considered Ireland’s greatest stained-glass artist, with his works featured in churches and buildings across Ireland and internationally. The windows at Bewley’s Café are among his most frequently viewed pieces.