The board of the Alfred Beit Foundation has decided to postpone the sale of paintings from its Russborough House collection.
The move follows an announcement yesterday from foundation Chairperson Judith Woodworth that it had received a "generous proposal on behalf of some Irish donors for the possible purchase of artworks" that are to feature in an upcoming Christie's auction.
In a statement today the foundation said: "The board unanimously decided to postpone the sale in order to explore the offer made to the Foundation.
"The board also decided if the current proposal or other proposals do not reach a satisfactory conclusion by October 2015 and Russborough is otherwise unable to raise the required funds, the sale of the artworks via auction will be resumed."
The statement added the board would be seeking meetings with Minister for the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys and Minister of State at the OPW Simon Harris over support for Russborough House for the future.
Ms Humphreys last night welcomed the announcement.
Two paintings from the collection – both by John Atkinson Grimshaw - were sold at auction at Christie's in London last week for £56,250 each.
