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  • Archive for September, 2014

    IRISH AND INTERNATIONAL ART AT WHYTE’S IN DUBLIN

    Monday, September 22nd, 2014

    A diverse selection of Irish and international art will come up at Whyte’s auction at the RDS in Dublin on September 29.  Irish art on offer includes a classic Connemara landscape by Paul Henry, In the West of Ireland (45,000-55,000) and a previously unrecorded portrait by Sir John Lavery, Lady in Green (20,000-30,000).  Pulling for Shore by William Conor has an estimate of  18,000-22,000, Dan O’Neill’s Studio Interior is estimated at 30,000-40,000 and Louis le Brocquy’s Head (With Spectacles) 1971 is estimated at 25,000-35,000.  There will be Irish and international interest in a set of ten limited edition screenprints and lithographs from Sir Sidney Nolan’s Ned Kelly series.   These are estimated at 10,000-12,000.  There will be over 20 lots from the Taylor Collection.  The Taylor Gallery, Belfast (in administration) was a leading Northern Ireland gallery with a reputation for Irish and international artists including Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Joan Miro and Banksy.  All have works in the auction.  The catalogue is online.  Here is a selection:

    Andy Warhol - Double Daisy (15,000-20,000)

    Andy Warhol – Double Daisy (15,000-20,000)  UPDATE: THIS MADE 27,000

    Sir Sidney Nolan - Ned Kelly Series II (set of 10) - 10,000-12,000.

    Sir Sidney Nolan – Ned Kelly Series II (set of 10) – 10,000-12,000.  UPDATE: THIS WAS USOLD

    Daniel O'Neill - Studio Interior (30,000-40,000).

    Daniel O’Neill – Studio Interior (30,000-40,000).  UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR 29,000

    Paul Henry - In the West of Ireland c1938 (45,000-55,000).

    Paul Henry – In the West of Ireland c1938 (45,000-55,000).  UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD

    LICHTENSTEIN, WARHOL AMONG WORKS FROM TWOMBLY FOUNDATION AT CHRISTIE’S

    Monday, September 22nd, 2014

    Art by Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol is included among eleven works from the Cy Twombly Foundation to be sold at Christie’s Post-War and Contemporary Art sales in New York on November 12-13. Acquired by Twombly in the 1960s the works are all by artists represented by the legendary Leo Castelli Gallery.  The sale represents two generations of artists who became established in the 1960’s.  Highlighting the group are three drawings by Roy Lichtenstein – all quintessentially Pop – using imagery of everyday objects and advertising from the 1960s. They are Hot Dog, 1964, the bold 10?, 1961 – 1962, and Like New, 1962Also included is Andy Warhol’s Little Electric Chair, 1964, a painting that Twombly traded directly with the artist. There are two early works by Bruce Naumanincluding one of only three Light Trap photographs, William T. Wiley or Ray Johnson Trap, 1967 and the sly and conceptual resin sculpture, Device to Hold a Box at a Slight Angle, 1966. Both were included in artist’s first debut solo exhibition in New York at Leo Castelli Gallery, curated by David Whitney.

    Laura Paulson, Chairman and International Director for Post-War and Contemporary Art, declared: “This extraordinary group of works by Lichtenstein, Nauman, Warhol and Oldenburg represents one of the most creative and rich periods in Post-War American art which emerged in the 1960’s.” 

    ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997) Hot Dog ($1.5-2 million). Courtesy Christie's Images Ltd., 2014.

    ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
    Hot Dog ($1.5-2 million). Courtesy Christie’s Images Ltd., 2014.

    ANDY WARHOL (1928-1987) Brillo Soap Pads Box ($300,000-400,000). Courtesy, Christie;s Images Ltd., 2014

    ANDY WARHOL (1928-1987)
    Brillo Soap Pads Box ($300,000-400,000). Courtesy, Christie;s Images Ltd., 2014

    ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997) 10 ¢ ($800,000-1.2 million)

    ROY LICHTENSTEIN (1923-1997)
    10 ¢ ($800,000-1.2 million) Courtesy Christie’s Images Ltd., 2014

    A BYGONE ERA RECALLED AT DE VERES ART AND DESIGN SALE

    Monday, September 22nd, 2014

    An image redolent of an era long gone is a feature lot at de Veres Irish art and design auction in Dublin on September 30.  Sir John Lavery’s painting of Viscountess Castlerosse at Palm Springs in 1938, with all its connotations of the rich at play in the years between the First and Second World Wars, is estimated at 50,000-70,000.  Doris Delavigne married the 6th Earl of Kenmare in 1928. He established Killarney Golf and Fishing Club and is likely to have met Lavery in 1913 when the artist stayed at Kenmare House at the invitation of the 5th Earl. According to her husband’s first biographer Delavigne had “regal beauty with a viper’s tongue”. The sale features important works by Mainie Jellett and Paul Henry among 120 lots of art.  There is as well 35 lots of classic 20th century design furniture.  The catalogue is online.   UPDATE:  About 75% of lots sold and all the designer lots found eager buyers.

    Sir John Lavery (1856-1941) Viscountess Castlerosse, Palm Springs, 1938 (50,000-70,000).

    Sir John Lavery (1856-1941) Viscountess Castlerosse, Palm Springs, 1938 (50,000-70,000). UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR 50,000

    Mainie Jellett (1897-1944) - Peace (20,000-30,000).

    Mainie Jellett (1897-1944) – Peace (20,000-30,000). UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD, BUT UNDER NEGOTIATION AFTERWARDS.

    A 1970's chrome rocking chair by Renato Zevi (400-600).

    A 1970’s chrome rocking chair by Renato Zevi (400-600).  UPDATE: THIS MADE 1,100

    A pair of Danish armchairs, 1960's (800-1,200).

    A pair of Danish armchairs, 1960’s (800-1,200).  UPDATE: THESE SOLD FOR 850

    FURNITURE AT LYNES AND LYNES SALE IN CO. CORK

    Sunday, September 21st, 2014

    Antique Irish furniture at very reasonable estimates will come up  at the Lynes and Lynes sale in Carrigtwohill , Co. Cork on September 27.  A Cork made hall table is estimated at just 800-1,200 and there are chests of drawers with estimates of just 100 euro up.   The auction offers antique settees and chairs, including a pair of Art Deco chairs and a Georgian reclining library chair. There is silver and jewellery with engagement and diamond dress rings and  a collection of paintings which has been in storage for a number of years. The catalogue is online.

    A Victorian settee (400-600).

    A Victorian settee (400-600). UPDATE: THIS MADE 280

    A collection of old annuals.

    A collection of old annuals.  UPDATE: THESE MADE 60

    A pair of cut glass urns (100-200).

    A pair of cut glass urns (100-200).  UPDATE: THESE MADE 130

    A Cork made hall table (800-1,200).

    A Cork made hall table (800-1,200).  UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD

    Antique bookshelves on a table base are estimated at 1,000-1,500

    Antique bookshelves on a table base are estimated at 1,000-1,500  UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR 1,000 AT HAMMER

    A COLLECTORS TROVE AT CO. LAOIS AUCTION

    Sunday, September 21st, 2014

    A collectors trove will be auctioned in Ireland this week.  With everything from  The Anglers Guide to the Irish Free State and three cycling manuals for 1934, 1960 & 1954 (London: Temple Press Ltd.) to a complete boxed sets of lantern slides from the Boer War, stoneware ginger beer bottles and vast quantities of old tin advertising signs the extraordinary collection of  James Pratt will come under the hammer at Ashgrove Auction Rooms, Ballybrittas, Co. Laois on September  30 and October 1. There are about 2,500 lots of  advertising and rural bygones and collectibles from the estate of the late Mr. Pratt.  Here is a small selection. The catalogue is online.

    The Angler`s Guide to the Irish Free State, compiled by the Department of Agriculture Fisheries Branch. Dublin: The Stationary Office, 1937 (Third Edition)

    The Angler`s Guide to the Irish Free State, compiled by the Department of Agriculture Fisheries Branch. Dublin: The Stationary Office, 1937 (Third Edition)

    Boer War: A Complete Boxed Set of 36 Lantern Slides - The Transvaal War.

    Boer War: A Complete Boxed Set of 36 Lantern Slides – The Transvaal War.

    A quantity of vintage advertising tins

    A quantity of vintage advertising tins

    Three Ginger Beer Bottles, Clegg & Casson, J.H. Cuffe & Sketch`s. Along with a Salt-Glazed Bottle marked Arnold of London.

    Three Ginger Beer Bottles, Clegg & Casson, J.H. Cuffe & Sketch`s.
    Along with a Salt-Glazed Bottle marked Arnold of London.

    Three Cycling Manuals for 1934, 1960 & 1954 London: Temple Press Ltd.

    Three Cycling Manuals for 1934, 1960 & 1954
    London: Temple Press Ltd.

    A Hornby Dublo Electric Train, EDG17, in original packaging.

    A Hornby Dublo Electric Train, EDG17, in original packaging.

    THE 49TH ANNUAL IADA FAIR AT THE RDS IN DUBLIN

    Friday, September 19th, 2014

    The 49th annual Irish Antique Dealers Association (IADA) Fair takes place at the RDS in Dublin from September 25 to September 28.  With everything from rare silver and Egyptian Revival gold bangles to Irish and international art and antique and cutting edge contemporary furniture by Zelouf and Bell this annual IADA showcase promises to be a must see event for anyone serious about antiques in Ireland.  There will be free lectures on September 26, 27 and 28 on subjects as diverse as the art of lacquer and the glamour of vintage fashion to key figures in Irish painting.  The fair is comprehensive.  Here is a small selection from what can be found here.

    (See post on antiquesandartireland.com for September 3, 2014)

    Niall Mullen Antiques: Pair of Irish inlaid mahogany book cases by James Hicks : Signed : Date 1930 : €28,500.

    Niall Mullen Antiques: Pair of Irish inlaid mahogany book cases by James Hicks : Signed : Date 1930 : €28,500.

    Zelouf and Bell Gimlet cocktail cabinet in blue ripple sycamore inlaid with polished aluminum, mirror-finish stainless steel base, with ivory ripple sycamore, sapphire stone, leather, sterling silver pulls. Limited edition 1/6.  W780 D430 H1255mm

    Zelouf and Bell Gimlet cocktail cabinet in blue ripple sycamore inlaid with polished aluminum, mirror-finish stainless steel base, with ivory ripple sycamore, sapphire stone, leather, sterling silver pulls. Limited edition 1/6.
    W780 D430 H1255mm

    A rare Edwardian natural pearl and diamond brooch in original case, Swedish, maker Nordiska Compania, signed, circa 1910 at Courtville Antiques

    A rare Edwardian natural pearl and diamond brooch in original case, Swedish, maker Nordiska Compania, signed, circa 1910 at Courtville Antiques

    Yellow gold Egyptian Revival bangle, circa 1870, attributed to Carlo Giuliano at Cobwebs.

    Yellow gold Egyptian Revival bangle, circa 1870, attributed to Carlo Giuliano
    at Cobwebs.

    A 1964 Omega Constellation at John Brereton.

    A 1964 Omega Constellation at John Brereton.

    UNRECORDED BUST OF HOMER BY HARWOOD FOUND IN IRELAND

    Friday, September 19th, 2014
    Bust of Homer by Francis Harwood.

    Bust of Homer by Francis Harwood.  UPDATE: IT SOLD FOR £242,500

    A previously unrecorded marble bust of Homer discovered in Ireland will be offered at Sotheby’s in London on December 3 with an estimate of £70,000-100.000.  It is by Francis Harwood, one of the most celebrated British sculptors of the 18th century. Dated 1757 the sculpture is unrecorded and the earliest known Harwood depiction of the ancient Greek poet.  It has been in a private collection in Ireland since the 1950’s.

    There are only two other extant versions of Harwood’s Homer. One dated 1764 is at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.  The other, dated 1760 is at Castle Ashby in Northamptonshire.  Francis Harwood (1726/7-1783) was mostly active in Florence where he was highly favoured by British visitors on the Grand Tour.  Harwood forged a successful career in Italy, where he remained for 30 years. The young Antonio Canova visited his studio in October 1779 and made a detailed note in his diary about what he saw there.

    The Bust of Homer was housed in Dublin and then in Co. Louth. It was purchased by Canon Joseph Furlong, known as Kilcullen’s only flying priest, from Powerscourt.  Fr. Furlong came to Kilcullen in 1952 as parish priest and regularly took the skies in his monoplane. He died in 1971 and the sculptor passed by descent to the present owner. Sotheby’s European sculpture and works of art specialist Christopher Mason will provide free appraisals in Dublin and countrywide by appointment on September 23-24 and November 11-12.

    BANTRY HOUSE AUCTION POSTPONED DUE TO IRISH BUREAUCRATIC DELAYS

    Thursday, September 18th, 2014

    Edinburgh auctioneers Lyon and Turnbull have been forced to postpone to a later date the sale of contents from Bantry House in west Cork. The much anticipated sale was to have taken place on October 21.  Today in a statement Lyon and Turnbull said the company had been forced to postpone the sale due  due to delays in obtaining a licence from the Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA).

    Gavin Strang, Director of Lyon & Turnbull said “We have unfortunately had to postpone the sale because we have not yet been able to obtain a licence from the Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA) which will allow us to hold an auction in Ireland. This licence was introduced in 2012 and under new legal requirements auctioneers, as well as estate agents, lettings agents and management companies, now need an operating licence issued by the PSRA.

    He continued “We began the process in July with the PSRA. Providing them with the extensive information they require from us has taken longer than anticipated. We have waited as long as we can, but as the deadline for printing the catalogue is now upon us, the difficult decision to postpone the sale has had to be made.”

    The postponement has echoes of a debacle involved the world renowned country singer Garth Brooks in Ireland this summer.  Brooks ended up cancelling a series of comeback shows at Croke Park in Dublin in July after a bureaucratic wrangle with Dublin City Council.  The cancellation is believed to have cost untold millions of euro worth of lost revenue to the city of Dublin and Irish tourism.

    A portrait of George III in coronation robes from Bantry House.

    A portrait of George III in coronation robes from Bantry House.

    The drawing room at Bantry House.

    The drawing room at Bantry House.

    (See posts on antiquesandartireland.com for August 18 and June 19, 2014)

    A WORLD HISTORY IN IRISH AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION

    Thursday, September 18th, 2014
    A history of the world in the first half of the 20th century is contained in 17 lots from a Skibbereen autograph collector to be sold at Whyte’s in Dublin on September 20.  Political leaders from Konrad Adenaur and Paul Spaak to Moshe Dayan, Archibishop Makarios and Constantine Karamanlis, military personnages like Field Marshall Montgomery, literary figures like Boris Pasternak, British Prime Ministers Anthony Eden and Clement Attlee and celebrities like the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and James Cagney are peppered through this collection.
    Michael O’Sullivan, now retired and still living in Skibbereen, wrote to and received replies from people like Egypt’s Gamal Abdel Nasser and Franco of Spain, Admiral Jerauld Wright, Commander in Chief, the US Atlantic Fleet and astronomer Alfred Charles Bernard Lovell, builder of the Jodrell Bank telescope which tracked Sputnik in 1957. There were apologetic refusals from, among others, The Queen of England, Winston Churchill, Harold MacMillan, Lord Home, President Eisenhower and the Shan of Iran. Many responded with signed photographs.  Most replies are on official notepaper.
    The autographs were locked away safely for 50 years. Now he has decided to sell them.

    A letter, typical of many, which arrived at Michael  O'Sullivan's home in Skibbereen inthe 1950

    A letter, typical of many, which arrived at Michael O’Sullivan’s home in Skibbereen in the 1950’s

    An autograph from Boris Pasternak, best known outside Russia as author of Doctor Zhivago.

    An autograph from Boris Pasternak, best known outside Russia as author of Doctor Zhivago.

    AUCTION OF OCEANIC ART BREAKS RECORDS

    Thursday, September 18th, 2014

    THERE was a world record for a sale of Oceanic Art at Sotheby’s in Paris this week. The auction of the collection of 49 works from Canadian Murray Frum achieved 7.53 million. There were world records for an Uli memorial figure from New Ireland and a Maori statue from New Zealand.  They sold for 1.6 million and 1.4 million respectively. Three works made over one million and 14 sold for over 100,000 in a auction that ws 100 per cent sold.

    The ancestral carving of a powerful clan leader from New Ireland includes a rare secondary character and once belonged to the Swiss surrealist painter and sculptor Serge Brignoni. The head of a staff god from Raratonga in the Cook Islands made 1.2 million.

    Ancestor figure, uli Northern New Ireland SOLD: 1,609,500€

    Ancestor figure, uli
    Northern New Ireland
    SOLD: 1,609,500€

    Figure Pou whakairo Maori, New Zealand SOLD: 1,441,500€

    Figure Pou whakairo
    Maori, New Zealand SOLD: 1,441,500€