This dissertation investigates how consumer culture as it works with artists in Ireland, focusing on the particular department store, Brown Thomas. AndIt will answers the question of "why was a department store was seen as an artistic Mecca in the 1920’s-70’s?" The value of this research lies in a new perspective of Ireland's artists and their work. It also provides evidence of a new type of patron, which helps develop art in Ireland. It is important to recognize Brown Thomas, the department store, as this patron, because very little research has been done on how the McGuires, who owned the store, contributed to the arts. This dissertation adprovides information to not only on Dublin's art history, but also its economic history and development. The focus of the dissertation is broken down into three chapters.: Tthe first is analyzinges the shop window and the influences of Cubism,; the Ssecond ilooks at the department store gallery transformation of commercial entertainment to a serious gallery for young Irish artists; andthe third is about couture designs by Dior in the store;, symbolizing modernity in Ireland. The sources wthichat helped stabilize Brown Thomas and the role of the McGuires role in Irish art history is heavily reliedant upon Tthe Nnews archives of the Irish tTimes and Irish pPress, which give first -hand accounts of bBrown Thomas’ relationship with artists. The newspaper articles share the public opinion at that time, and the accounts of the artists with whom the McGuires work withed. Secondary sources gprovivde context to what was happening in other countries before and during the development of art and commerce in Dublin.; Ddevelopment of new artistic ideas which were brought to Dublin through the department store. The combination of art and commerce in Ireland provides a new perspective. CThe collaboration of Norah McGuinness, Robert Ballagh and Dior working with Brown Thomas gives insight into one way in which art develops in a country, and how commerce can enhance the work of artists. This dissertation's findings fights the tainted view of commercial art and stigma of couture as a lower form of art.