U2 and wives share the spotlight at artist Anne Madden’s exhibition

Anne Madden with U2's Bono,The Edge and Larry Mullen at the opening of her exhibition of art at the Taylor Galleries on Kildare Street, Dublin. (Picture:Arthur Carron/Collins)

U2 turned out to support "an old friend" and add a touch of superstar glamour to artist Anne Madden's new exhibition. Bono, the Edge and their wives Ali Hewson and Morleigh Steinberg attended the opening of 'Dark and Light', Madden's first exhibition in four years. Drummer Larry and his other half Anne Mullen followed shortly behind and U2 bass player Adam Clayton was the only member of the band not present. 

Bono's wife Ali Hewson and Edge's wife Morleigh Steinberg at the opening of an exhibition by Anne Madden at the Taylor Galleries on Kildare Street, Dublin

 London-born Madden established a friendship with U2 over 20 years ago and the group have been collectors of her work for more than a decade. 

 "I met them in 1984 at an Amnesty International event," Madden told Independent.ie. "I had no idea who they were at the time, they gave us the Joshua Tree album, which I'd also never heard of. "They're old friends now." 

 Her exhibition of work has been unveiled a year after the death of her celebrated husband Louis le Brocquy. Madden's work is on display at the Taylors Galleries on Dublin's Kildare Street until October 26.

U2 manager Paul McGuinness with Anne Madden at the opening of an exhibition of art Dark and Light by Anne Madden at the Taylor Galleries on Kildare Street, Dublin

LAURA BUTLER – 10 OCTOBER 2013

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