antiquesandartireland.com

An unusual selection of furniture in the Gothic manner by renowned Dublin makers Robert Strahan comes up at auction in Tralee on November 14.  Lynes and Lynes will offer contents from The Mercy Convent, Balloonagh, Tralee.  The convent, located in a fine cut stone building in the Pugin manner, opened in 1858 at around the same time as nearby Oakpark House, a jewel of the Irish Gothic Revival, was built. Convent furniture in the library and back parlour was acquired at auction in the 1920’s from Oakpark House when the Collis-Sandes family sold up.

The Strahan furniture is labelled and stamped and was designed specifically for Oakpark House. A large seven door breakfront bookcase c1860 (5,000-10,000) is complete with the Collis-Sandes crest. An oak dining table with five spare leaves (3,000-5,000) which can seat up to 24 has features which match this bookcase and is stamped by Strahan.  The oak sideboard by Strahan (1,000-2,000) also carries the family crest and there is a fine oak library table (1,500-2,000). There are no fewer than eight oak refectory tables.  There are fender, clocks, slide lanterns, garden furniture, porcelain, glass and kitchen equipment among more than 500 lots.  The catalogue is online. Here is a small selection:

(See post on antiquesandartireland.com for November 2).