Irish art always deserves a wider international audience so the celebration of Walter Osborne (1859-1903) at the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana is to be welcomed. After studying in Antwerp and painting in the countryside in France and England Osborne returned to Dublin following the death of his sister Violet to help raise her infant daughter who had been sent to his aging parents in Rathmines. His sparkling portraits of Dublin’s elite offer a unique vision of urban Ireland and earned him international acclaim. The exhibition brings together masterpieces from public and private collections in Ireland and the US including loans from The National Gallery of Ireland, the Hugh Lane Gallery, Limerick City Gallery of Art and The Crawford Art Gallery in Cork. Homecoming: Walter Osborne’s Portraits of Dublin, 1880-1900 will continue until December 7. Pictured here is a portrait of Mary Guinness and her daughter Margaret, 1898 from the National Gallery of Ireland collection now on view in the US.
A tutti frutti gem set bracelet at Morgan O’Driscoll’s inaugural jewellery sale. UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD
Sparkling September is practically upon us and in newly minted wealthy Ireland this means that some magnificent jewels will soon come to the auction block. Even though economists argue that GDP – which ranks us among the wealthiest countries in the world – gives a false picture because multinational profits are repatriated, Ireland’s wealth and healthy budget surplus shows.
At a time decades ago when regular antique furniture was falling out of favour many of the smaller auction houses turned to art to keep their turnover afloat. It worked. Jewellery is adding to the money mix now and regularly boosts turnover at sales around Ireland. Art and jewellery are not by any means the trappings of a country where wealth is absent.
A Cartier diamond and gold necklace, a sapphire and diamond ring and signed pieces by Vourakis, Buccellati, Marina B. and Tiffany & Co. will highlight Morgan O’Driscoll’s inaugural jewellery sale on September 8. With a renowned art auction business developed over the past 30 years the Skibbereen based auctioneer has launched a brand new jewellery department led by Colin Weldon.
Certified by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Weldon is a seasoned jewellery specialist with a track record of sourcing and selling exceptional pieces. GIA certification is an assurance of the quality of a diamond and enhances resale value. Morgan O’Driscoll’s jewellery department will specialise in vintage, antique, and contemporary pieces, with designs from iconic jewellery houses, rare gemstones, and private collections from around the globe.
At this online sale, which will be on view at Buswell’s Hotel in Dublin from September 5 – 8, feature lots include a ruby and diamond cluster ring (€40,000-€60,000), a tutti frutti gem set bracelet (€40,000-€60,000), an ornate 17th century stomacher pendant (€30,000-€40,000) and a diamond necklace by Cartier (€27,500-€35,000).
A pair of fancy intense yellow diamond earrings at Morgan O’Driscoll. UPDATE: THIS LOT WAS UNSOLD
Among the other offerings are an emerald and diamond cluster ring (€20,000-€25,000), a sapphire and diamond ring (€20,000-€25,000), a pair of fancy intense yellow diamond earrings (€17,500-€25,000), a cabochon ruby and diamond cluster ring (€15,000-€20,000), a multi coloured tourmaline and diamond necklace (€15,000-€20,000), a South Sea pearl necklace (€12,500-€17,500), a 1997 Rolex submariner watch (€5,000-€7,000) and a Hermes Kelly handbag (€7,000-€9,000).
This 1940 Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring made a hammer price of €550,000 at James Adam in Dublin in May.
Demand for fine jewellery is growing globally. A retro tank Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring from the 1940’s made a hammer price of €550,000 at James Adam in Dublin in May over a top estimate of €250,000. The next jewellery sale at Adams, on September 9, features two early 20th century prized Kashmir sapphire pieces, a c1900 brooch with an 8.24 carat stone (€200,000-€300,000) and a c1905 brooch with a 6.53 carat stone (€150,000-€250,000).
Who would have thought that a landslide in the Himalayas in 1880 would reverberate through a Dublin salesroom in 2025. The landslide exposed an unusual type of rock from which blue stones protruded. Mining began in 1882 and by 1887 the supply had been exhausted. A new mine found in the valley below was quickly exhausted as well and no other deposits have been found. Kashmir sapphires possess a distinctive tint known to experts at blue velvet.
A c1900 Kashmir sapphire and diamond brooch at Adams in Dublin on September 9. UPDATE: THIS MADE €550,000 AT HAMMER
With a distinguished Irish American provenance the Kashmir stones at Adams will attract international attention. Gifted by Benjamin and Amy Sands of New York to their daughter May on her marriage in 1908 to the Hon Hugh Melville Howard, younger son of the 6th Earl of Wicklow they were inherited by their daughter Katherine Frances Howard (1910-1990) of Shelton Abbey, Co. Wicklow and Ounavarra, Co. Wexford, godmother to the present owner.
The fine jewellery and ladies watches sale at Adams will be on view in Dublin from September 5-9.
At the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam Dutch artist and theatre practitioner Steef de Jong is to transform the Phillips Wing into the interiors of a 17th century home using cardboard as part of a major exhibition on domestic life in the time of Rembrandt, Vermeer and Frans Hals. Nine diorama style galleries will offer an immersive experience where visitors can follow 17th century home life over the course of a day from early morning to late evening. The famous dolls houses belonging to Petronella Oortman and Petronella Dunois form the centrepiece of a show where highlights of decorative art will be presented alongside objects found in every household. At Home in the 17th Century will run from October 17 to January 11, 2026. Pictured here is the Doll’s house of Petronella Oortman, Amsterdam c1686-1710, considered one of the most important objects in the museum.
An Art Deco style diamond set geometric plaque bracelet. UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD
An Art Deco style diamond set geometric plaque bracelet will lead the auction of fine jewellery, silverware and antiques at O’Reilly’s of Francis St., Dublin on August 27. The estimate is €9.400-€10,000. A total of 473 lots, including 286 jewellery lots, will come under the hammer. The catalogue is online.
Pablo Picasso (Spanish 1881-1973) Jeune couple accroupi, l’homme avec un tambourin at Lynes and Lynes. UPDATE: THIS MADE 5,000 AT HAMMER
A marine chronometer, a Picasso etching, a c1730 bureau bookcase or a modern burr poplar and satinwood side cabinet inlaid with mother of pearl? The choice is yours at upcoming sales at James Adam in Dublin on Wednesday August 27 and Lynes and Lynes in Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork next Saturday (August 30).
The etching of a young couple by Picasso is the top lot at Lynes and Lynes. Published by Vollard in Paris in 1939 and signed in pencil from an edition of 260 it is from a private source in Cork. The estimate is €5,000-€8,000. Lynes and Lynes will offer three ships chronometers, one by Whyte Thompson and Co., makers to the admiralty, Glasgow (€900-€1,200), another by Thomas Mercer (€700-€1,000) and a third manufactured by the First Watch Company, Moscow (€300-€500).
A c1730 bureau bookcase at James Adam. UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD
Antique furniture is more difficult to sell nowadays. A c1730 bureau bookcase at the At Home sale at Adams might break the mould. Capable of lending grace and utility to many modern homes it comes with twin mirrored panel doors, a fall front, desk, shelves and drawers and measures just 103 cms wide. The estimate is €1,500-€3,000. By way of contrast an inlaid demi lune side cabinet by Restall Brown & Clennell at Adams is a modern piece with an estimate of €2,000-€3,000.
With nearly 900 lots in total each sale offers a wide variety of lots at affordable price points, online catalogues and in person viewing.
Marine chronometers at Lynes and Lynes. UPDATE: THESE MADE 1,300, 850 AND 260
Lynes and Lynes will include contents from the recently sold Montenotte House and lots from the estate of late surgeon Tom Burke and his wife Kay of Blackrock, Cork. There are tables to choose from including a large 19th century dining table, a Cork Regency tea table and a Georgian wine table. There are Cork 9-bar chairs and Arts and Crafts dining chairs, a Cork Regency linen press and a fine painted cabinet. The sale offers silver and jewellery, a specialist collection of antique continental dolls and old advertising signs including one for the Metropole Hotel in Cork. Viewing gets underway in Carrigtwohill today and continues all next week.
A pair of red ground 19th century Chinese silk scroll wall hangings and a George V silver epergne feature among the lots adding interest to the At Home sale by James Adam in Dublin. The auction offers silver, furniture, a longcase clock, paintings, a 19th century gilt surround continental headboard, sofas, rugs, lamps, mirrors and an Irish silver Art Deco style three piece coffee service.
A c1960 Louis Vuitton train vanity case at James Adam. UPDATE: THIS MADE 460 at hammer
Or how about a Louis Vuitton c1960 train vanity case identified as reference model M23820 (€500-€800), a 20th century Aubusson style needlepoint tapestry, an Anglo-Indian carved ebony side chair or a brass dinner gong?
Auctions like these offer endless variety and objects to suit all tastes. Go on. Be inspired….
Imperial Russian casket. UPDATE: THIS MADE 575 AT HAMMER
A 19th century Imperial Russian silver filigree casket is among the more unusual lots at Hegarty’s online sale in Bandon on August 27. With assay marks for Veniamin Vasilyevich Savinsky, Moscow 1873 it is egg shaped. A hinged cover opens to reveal a standing lion. The estimate is €200-€400. There is an estimate of €150-€300 on a bright pair of c1900 Chinese silver filigree enamel bird figures.
Gold sovereigns are selling like hot cakes at auction right now and this one has a 9 carat 1895 half sovereign set in a pendant at an estimate of €400-€600. The jewellery selection is headed by a gold cluster diamond ring and a sapphire and diamond ring. There is a suite of Chinese jade and gold jewellery and the sale includes a variety of silver, art, furniture and collectibles.
A pair of Chinese silver filigree enamel birds UPDATE: THESE MADE 360 AT HAMMER
RARE EARLY 20TH CENTURY KASHMIR SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND BROOCH, CIRCA 1900
With an estimate of €200,000-300,000 this is one of two Kashmir sapphires at the sale of fine jewellery and ladies watches by James Adam in Dublin on September 9. The 8.24 carat stone is accompanied by reports from laboratories in Switzerland and London stating that it is of Kashmir origin with no indications of heating. What sets Kashmir sapphires apart is their colour: often described as cornflower blue or blue velvet, their rich yet soft appearance is caused in part by minute internal particles scattering the light, a natural effect that adds a gentle glow to the stone. Many contain delicate inclusions that, rather than detract, lend character and depth, allowing their beauty to remain vivid in all kinds of light, a trait that few sapphires share. The Kashmir stone is considered the very finest, surpassing even the best from Burma or Ceylon.
There is a distinguished Irish American provenance. Benjamin Aymar Sands (1853-1917) and his wife Amy Kirby Akin (1850-1934)of 43 East 18th Street, New York gifted it to their daughter May Emily Sands (1879-1941) to celebrate her 1908 marriage to the Hon. Hugh Melville Howard (1883-1919) younger son of the 6th Earl of Wicklow (1842-1891) and Fanny Catherine Wingfield (1860-1914); by descent to their daughter Katharine Frances Howard (1910-1990) of Shelton Abbey, Co, Wicklow and Ounavarra House, Co. Wexford; godmother to the present owner.
The idyll of married life was not to last, as Hugh died of pneumonia at a young age and May developed psychological problems and had to be institutionalised. Their two children Katharine and Cecil went to live with their uncle the 7th Earl of Wicklow at Shelton Abbey and spent holidays with their adoring grandmother Amy Sands. Katharine remained in Ireland and purchased Ounavarra House, Co. Wexford, where she farmed.
A c1905 Kashmir sapphire and diamond brooch from the sale collection is estimated at €150,000-250,000. It weighs 6.53 carats.
RARE EARLY 20TH CENTURY SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND BROOCH, CIRCA 1905
GREEN RUSHES BY MAURICE WALSH. UPDATE: THIS MADE 500 AT HAMMER
A first UK edition of 1935 of Green Rushes by Maurice Walsh, the first appearance of The Quiet Man, comes up at a two day sale by Purcell Auctioneers in Birr on September 3 and 4. On offer is the library of the late Tommy Smith of Grogan’s Pub in Dublin and other clients in an auction of more than 500 lots. Lot 288 is a rare first edition in its original jacket of Green Rushes published by Chambers in London in 1935 with an estimate of €700-€800. The 1952 film The Quiet Man starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara is based on a 1933 short story of the same name by Maurice Walsh first published in The Saturday Evening Post and later included in the collection Green Rushes. John Ford won an Academy Award (his fourth) for Best Director for the film, an official selection at the 1952 Venice Film Festival. In 2013 the film was selected for preservation in the US National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.
PETER DOIG – Country Rock, 1998-99 UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR £9.2 MILLION
The Collection of Ole Faarup will be a highlight at Christie’s 20th/21st Century Art Marquee Week in October. Comprising in the region of 140 lots and with an overall estimate of around £16,000,000–22,000,000 it will be offered in a series of sales, the 20th/21st Century London evening sale on October 15, the Post-War and Contemporary Art day sale on October 16 and a dedicated online auction from October 8–21. Assembled over fifty years it is a striking testament to Ole Faarup’s passion for contemporary art and emerging artists, which made him one of the most respected art collectors of his generation.
Proceeds will benefit The Ole Faarup Art Foundation which carries forward his vision to nurture and support future generations of artists. Inspired by five decades of passionate and thoughtful collecting, the Foundation is dedicated to helping younger artists by placing their work in museums and public collections in Denmark and around the world. A special focus for the Foundation is to support Danish artists up to the age of 50, including those from the Faroe Islands and Greenland – one of its key objectives will be facilitating their first museum or kunsthalle exhibition abroad.
Cork Regency tea table. UPDATE: THIS MADE 750 AT HAMMER
The sale at Lynes and Lynes on August 30 features contents from the sales of two large houses in Cork city. There is furniture, silver, jewellery, old advertising signs and an unusual collection of antique dolls from Germany, Holland, Belgium, France and two Steiff dachshunds. The catalogue is online.
Antique dolls at Lynes and Lynes. UPDATE: A NUMBER OF DOLLS SOLD FOR FROM 90 TO 190 AT HAMMER
