Beatrice Behan

Beatrice J. M. Behan (; 31 December 1925 – 9 March 1993) was an Irish artist and memoirist.

Early life and education Behan was born Beatrice J. M. Behan Salkeld on 31 December 1925 in Mount Street, Dublin to an Irish father and a German mother. Behan's father, Cecil Ffrench Salkeld, was an artist and her mother, Irma Salkeld (née Tessler), was a home economics instructor.

Raised in Dublin, Behan was educated at Loreto College, St Stephen's Green. Later on, Behan had a son, Paudge Behan, with Cathal Goulding.

When the couple were first married, she supplemented the family's income by working as a horticultural illustrator with The Irish Times. The couple were based in Dublin, but they spent periods of time in Paris, New York and London. Behan was tolerant of her husband's heavy drinking and behaviour, describing him as a "great, loveable genius." She illustrated her husband's Hold your hour and have another (1963). After her husband's death she worked with Alan Simpson on the unfinished play Richard's cork leg.

Later life In 1973, Behan published her memoir My life with Brendan. After her husband's death, Behan settled all of his many debts. Behan was found dead at her home on Anglesea Rd, Ballsbridge on 9 March 1993.