Inside The Pen & Player: A Spires Art Showcase of Sophistication

By Padraig Taggart 16th April, 2025

Project Spotlight: The Green Hotel, Dublin
Venue: The Pen & Player Bar

Spires Art is proud to have played an integral role in the completion of The Pen & Player, one of Dublin’s most elegant new hospitality destinations nestled within The Green Hotel on Harcourt Street. This sophisticated cocktail bar, part of the O’Callaghan Collection, is a masterclass in design, where heritage architecture meets avant-garde ambiance. We were delighted to bring our expertise in bespoke artwork to this transformative space.

A Fusion of Georgian Charm and Contemporary Mood

The Pen & Player is an immersive experience from the moment you step inside. The interior, designed by award-winning studio 21 Spaces, effortlessly blend’s original Georgian detailing with bold contemporary flair. Luxurious textures, dramatic lighting, and a rich palette of burgundy, terracotta, and oxblood creates a space that is as intimate as it is theatrical. Italian Murano glass chandeliers cast a warm glow over fluted velvet chairs, marble-topped tables, and antique brass accents, creating a mood that feels both cinematic and inviting.

Our team at Spires Art was tasked with delivering custom artwork that would enhance the layered aesthetic while elevating guest experience. Drawing from our deep expertise in art consultancy for luxury hospitality environments, we approached the project with a refined eye for composition, tone, and storytelling. The wallpaper within The Pen & Player is bold and expressive, serving as a dramatic anchor across key seating areas. Our goal was to complement these surfaces with artwork that echoed their tone and temperament.

Bespoke Artwork: Framing the Atmosphere

The curated art selection throughout The Pen & Player isn’t just decorative—it’s narrative. Our bespoke framed pieces were designed to add sophistication and a story-like charm to the interior. With warm lighting casting soft glows across the artworks, guests are invited into a space where every corner is considered and creatively curated. From abstract figurative work to stylised sketches and vintage-inspired portraiture, our artwork enhances the theatrical, speakeasy atmosphere and complements the rich colour scheme.

Each piece is more than visual decor—it’s part of a cohesive story that pays homage to the golden age of literature, artistry, and social connection.

A Collaboration Rooted in Vision

The collaboration between Spires Art, 21 Spaces, and the O’Callaghan Collection was built on a shared vision of creating a venue that feels more like an experience than a location. Our involvement highlights the value of integrating art consultancy early in the design process, allowing for creative synergy across all visual layers. This project showcases our commitment to designing with intention and integrity, creating environments where art enhances the ambiance rather than competes with it.

Final Thoughts

In a city known for its cultural depth and hospitality excellence, The Pen & Player is already making its mark as a standout venue—a place where conversation, craft cocktails, and curated design come together in perfect balance. At Spires Art, we are proud to have helped shape this space with carefully selected framed artworks that elevate its identity and reinforce its refined design. Our contribution exemplifies the transformative role that curated artwork can play in enhancing mood, reinforcing brand, and deepening guest engagement.

For hospitality designers and developers seeking to add emotional depth and visual cohesion to their interiors, Spires Art offers creative consultancy and a range of curated art solutions that bring stories to life. Let’s collaborate on crafting spaces that speak volumes.


📩 Contact us today, [email protected], or connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram @Spires Art.