Michael Behrens (banker)
Edward Michael Behrens | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Kensington, London, England |
| Died | January 28, 1989 (aged 77) London, England |
| Occupation(s) | Financier, banker, stockbroker, art gallery proprietor |
| Known for | Co-ownership of Ionian Bank; proprietor of the Hanover Gallery; early supporter of Francis Bacon |
Edward Michael Behrens (15 September 1911 – 28 January 1989) was a prominent British financier, banker, stockbroker, and art gallery proprietor, recognized for his co-ownership of the Ionian Bank. As the proprietor of the Hanover Gallery, he played a significant role as an early supporter of the artist Francis Bacon.
Early life
Born on 15 September 1911 in Kensington, London, Edward Michael Behrens was the son of Noel Edward Behrens (1879–1967), who transitioned from civil service to banking, and Catherine Vivien Coward (1880–1961), daughter of Sir Cecil Coward. His older sister, Betty Behrens, gained recognition as a distinguished historian and academic.
Career
By 1953, Behrens had acquired La Resèrve restaurant and took ownership of the influential Hanover Gallery from Arthur Jeffress. The gallery showcased Francis Bacon, who held his inaugural solo exhibition there in 1949 and remained represented until 1958 before transferring to the Marlborough Gallery. On one occasion, during a visit to the vacant gallery space, Erica Brausen—the gallery’s manager—mentioned intentions to close it. Intrigued by Bacon’s artwork, Behrens proposed maintaining the gallery’s operation. Jeffress, who was opposed to Bacon’s work, partly resigned for that reason and also because he assumed Behrens shared his perspective.
In 1958, together with John Trusted—both stockbrokers and directors at the British Bank for Foreign Trade—Behrens purchased the established Ionian Bank, which conducted business across the Greek islands. Under their leadership, Ionian Bank emerged as a key financier in the North Sea oil sector.
Personal life
In 1936, Behrens wed Helen Constance Felicity Arnold (1913–2001). The couple had three sons, including Timothy Behrens, who pursued a career as an artist. Despite owning the Hanover Gallery, Behrens was dissatisfied with his son’s decision to become an artist.
The family’s residence was located at 8 Hanover Terrace, overlooking Regent's Park. In 1949, Behrens purchased Culham Court, a substantial estate along the Thames in Berkshire. Following his passing, Felicity continued to live there until 1996.
During the late 1940s, Behrens had a romantic relationship with novelist Elizabeth Jane Howard, who later modeled the main character of her 1956 novel The Long View on him.
Apart from his ventures in restaurants and galleries, Behrens supported silver and goldsmith Gerald Benney as a patron.
Death
Edward Michael Behrens passed away in London on 28 January 1989 at the age of 77.