THE sale of contents from Mount Congreve in Co. Waterford will generate worldwide interest amongst collectors this summer. Christie’s and Mealy’s will offer contents from one of Ireland’s grandest stately homes in sales in London on May 23 and at a marquee in the beautiful grounds of the house at Kilmeaden, Co. Waterford on July 10 and 11. The London Sale (on the same day as Christie’s British and Irish art sale, see post for April 14) will comprise a carefully curated selection of approximately 120 lots of furniture, paintings, silver and Chinese and European porcelain. It is expected to bring in more than £2.5 million.
The collection at Mount Congreve has been evolving since the neo-classical house, designed by John Roberts for John Congreve, was built in 1760. Charles Cator, deputy chairman, Christie’s International, remarked: “This collection highlights the importance of distinguished provenance, comprising works from many illustrious collections of great renown, from the Rothschild family in London and The Earls of Coventry at Croome Court to Studley Royal and Middleton Park, among many others”.
Ambrose Congreve, who died suddenly at the age of 104 last May while on a visit to London to visit the Chelsea Flower Show, added to the lavish collection at Mount Congreve over the last 60 years. A passion for French furniture was a constant theme during the formation of the collection. Full advantage was taken of the treasures to be found in English country house dispersal sales after 1945. Here is a small selection of highlights, all courtesy Christie’s Images Ltd., 2012.
UPDATE: THE SALE BROUGHT IN £3,447,275, SELLING 78% BY LOT AND 91% BY VALUE.
One from a pair of George III giltwood side tables, attributed to Mayhew & Ince, with magnificent Italian specimen lava tops (£200-300,000). (Click on image to enlarge). UPDATE: THIS MADE £217,250.
A Sèvres Vincennes bleu celeste écuelle, 1755-6 (£40,000-60,000). (Click on image to enlarge). UPDATE: THIS MADE £157,250
George II giltwood overmantel mirror by John Linnell, 1759, (£200,000-300,000). Click on image to enlarge. UPDATE: THIS MADE £313,250.
George III silver epergne, by Thomas Pitts, London 1763 (£80,000-120,000). (Click on image to enlarge). UPDATE: THIS WAS THE TOP LOT IN THE SALE, SELLING FOR £243,250.