The Eden Vale bottle carrier. UPDATE: THIS MADE 3,800 AT HAMMER
This Irish Provincial bottle carrier comes up as lot 831 at Fonsie Mealy’s summer fine art sale in Castlecomer on May 28 and 29. The piece was commissioned by William Stacpoole, High Sherriff, Co. Clare, for his new residence at Eden Vale, Killone, Ennis, Co. Clare. It was probably made in Limerick around 1780 and arrives at auction by direct family descent. There is a rectangular removable top with shaped and pierced looped carrying slot, over eight compartments. The estimate is €4,000-€6,000.
A pair of giltwood palm tree lights by Maison Jansen. UPDATE: THESE WERE UNSOLD
A gouache by Martin Kippenberger, an Eames chair, a Three Wise Men watercolour by Andre Derain, a blackboard rug and a non conformist armchair both by Eileen Gray are among the many and varied offerings at the Mid-Century Modern auction by James Adam in Dublin on May 21. With just 222 well chosen lots the range of choice is extensive in a sale that reaches many prevailing tastes by reflecting the artistic and creative diversities of the 20th century.
Estimates range from just €100-€200 for a c1960 Italian cut glass bon bon dish with brass detailing to €40,000-€60,000 for Indian Summer, an oil on canvas by Wolfgang Paalen (1905-1959). The Austrian born artist was a key figure in many key 20th century art movements and this work was once in the collection of John Huston at St. Clerans in Co. Galway.
A non conformist armchair by Eileen Gray. UPDATE: THIS MADE 7,000 AT HAMMER
Modern furniture choices cater for many tastes with everything on offer from a c1960 teak oval extending dining table and a set of eight teak dining chairs by the Danish designer Arne Vodder (1926-2009), a Swedish teak boomerang desk of similar vintage, a c1950 Italian mahogany console with three drawers, an Italian rosewood drinks cabinet, a glass nest of tables with brass detailing, a three seater Danish sofa by Ole Wanscher, soft pad and office chairs by Eames produced by Vitra, an Edito armchair and footstool by Roche Bobois, a c1970 French perspex and chrome umbrella stand, cherrywood planters, brass and glass coffee tables, a pair of c1950 rosewood bedside cabinets from Italy, a David Linley mirror, a c1970 Italian burr walnut sideboard and an armchair designed by Philippe Starck for Driade painted by Jack Soro.
Alan Davie (1920-2014) El Secreto No. 2 UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD
The art selection will sit comfortably alongside these choices. Among the Irish and international artists featured are Kaws, Albert Irvin, Felim Egan, Anne Madden, Mark Francis, Andy Warhol, Charles Tyrrell, Gwen O’Dowd, Jannis Kounnelis and Philip Flanagan.
Among other lots is a Wriggle chair by Frank Gehry, a signed ceramic vase by Vivienne Foley, a vintage Missoni rug by T & J Vestor, a pair of green and white wall lights in the style of Stilnovo, Italy, a vintage malachite chessboard, a “Le Mons” floor lamp for Claridges Hotel, London, a c 1970 pair of lamps by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Sweden, a yellow c1960 vintage vase for Moretti and Nason, Italy, a large Dun Emer hand knotted wool carpet and a pair of giltwood palm tree lights by Maison Jansen, France c1970.
An armchair designed by Philippe Starck and painted by Jack Soro UPDATE: THIS WAS WITHDRAWN
Princess Diana’s elegance and a Royal Collection – the largest curated collection of Princess Diana’s items since her historic 1997 auction – will come up at Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles on June 27. Before that sale highlights will be on view at the Museum of Style Icons and Newbridge, Co. Kildare from June 11 – 27. Fifteen spectacular lots from this dazzling collection will be showcased at an exclusive private exhibition at The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel in New York–the collection’s only North American preview–before the auction. A breathtaking constellation of Princess Diana’s highly glamorous gowns, dresses, suits, shoes, and accessories used in her most photographed appearances and most iconic style moments will be featured at her favourite hotel in New York. Diana was often photographed here and became part of the hotel’s storied history in the now legendary Carlyle elevator ride shared by Princess Diana, Michael Jackson and Steve Jobs when she sang “Beat It.”
On offer are Diana’s most iconic fashion statements such as a Murray Arbeid midnight blue strapless tulle Diamante Star gown with a fitted bodice worn twice in 1986, at the Phantom of the Opera premiere, at a dinner at Claridge’s for King Constantine of Greece and photographed by Lord Snowdon wearing the gown in 1997 for her charity auction ($200,000-$400,000); Diana’s off-the-shoulder Spanish flamenco-style magenta silk and lace evening dress designed by Victor Edelstein worn in London and in Hamburg in 1987 ($200,000-$400,000); ensembles designed by Diana’s favourite designer Catherine Walker including a pink floral shirt dress designed by Walker for her clothing label The Chelsea Design Company ($100,000-$200,000), a Victorian revival evening gown not worn in public ($100,000-$200,000), and Walker’s two-piece yellow and navy skirt suit Diana was photographed wearing in 1989 in Hong Kong during a visit to Tamar, a British Forces shore base and when Diana gave a speech and awarded the Gopaul family the award for Family of the Year in London in 1990 ($30,000-$50,000).
This 202 carat Yellow Rose diamond sold for CHF6,095,000 /US$6,710,595, the second highest price ever paid for a yellow stone above 200cts at Christie’s.
The Magnificent Jewels auction at Christie’s in Geneva today totalled CHF49,242,200 / US$54,215,662, with deep bidding from a full saleroom, on the phones and online. Led by the Yellow Rose diamond of 202 carats the auction was 97% sold by lot and 98% sold by value. Max Fawcett, Head of Jewels Europe commented: “There is nothing better as an auctioneer than a full and engaged sale room, and to achieve such strong results – 97% by lot and 140% of the low estimate – is remarkable. The market for coloured gemstones and signed jewellery is on fire and I could not think of a better way to start the 2024 season. We now look forward to Hong Kong, New York, Paris and London.”
Montague Dawson (1895-1973) – The Clipper Ship Flying Fish c. 1950. UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD
Montague Dawson’s oil on canvas of the Flying Fish is the most expensively estimated lot at Fonsie Mealy’s two day fine art sale in Castlecomer on May 28 and 29. With an estimate of €15,000-€20,000 it shows the clipper ship in full sail. A catalogue note by Peter Murray recounts how after the discovery of gold in California and the opening of the China tea trade to competition in 1849, several clippers, including Flying Fish and Flying Cloud, were built at Donald McKay’s shipyard in Boston. Launched in 1851, Flying Fish made the voyage from Boston to San Francisco, via Cape Horn, in a record-breaking ninety-two days. Owned by Samson and Tappan, the ship had a glorious career. It was one of the fastest every built by McKay, and under the command of Captain Edward Nickels, rounded Cape Horn seven times. It features in several paintings by Dawson, including studies in oil and watercolour. It is, Murray says, one of Montague Dawson’s finest depictions of ships at sea.
The complete bar from Kiely’s of Mount Merrion at Aidan Foley’s sale. UPDATE: THIS MADE 2,600 AT HAMMER
The complete bar from Kiely’s of Mount Merrion or a De Sede white modular sofa first launched in 1972 – the choice is yours at upcoming auctions by Aidan Foley and James Adam this month.
The sofa would have been very much out of place in a traditional setting like Kiely’s but would make itself very much at home in any large luxurious contemporary space. Designed by Eleanoa Peduzzi-Riva, Ueli Berger, Klaus Vogt and Heinz Ulrich it is complete with 22 sections with which multiple compositions can be created. At their Mid Century Modern sale in Dublin on May 21 Adams estimate it at €10,000-€15,000.
The bar at Kiely’s is a real deal throwback, laden with memory. It is a highlight at Aidan Foley’s online auction in conjunction with Niall Mullen at Oldcastle on May 21 and 22. All sorts of pub memorabilia will come under the hammer and the catalogue is online. The estimate on the complete bar is a mere €1,000-€2,000.
DS-600 modular sofa in white leather at James Adam. UPDATE: THIS MADE 14,000 AT HAMMER
The Allnatt, a fancy vivid yellow diamond of 101.29 carats at Sotheby’s, Geneva. UPDATE: THIS WAS NOT SOLD
Kashmir sapphires, Burmese rubies, Colombian emeralds and lots and lots of diamonds – what’s not to like? Traditionally this is the month for sales which bring a global audience of very rich buyers to Geneva for eye watering jewels with all sorts of exotic provenance and stories histories.
The collections of modern and historic jewellery at sales like these are fascinating. Some lots make millions. But passion for fine jewellery is not the exclusive preserve of the super rich. There will be plenty of pickings for the rest of us at sales on May 14 at both James Adam in Dublin and Matthews in Kells and O’Reilly’s in Dublin on May 15 with no shortage of choices across all price levels.
An exceptional pigeon’s blood ruby and diamond ring at Christie’s. The 5.03 carat ruby originated in Burma (Myanmar). UPDATE: THIS MADE 1 MILLION CHF AT HAMMER (€1.02 MILLION)
On the international scene yellow diamonds are the flavour of the month this month. Christie’s will offer The Yellow Rose in Geneva on May 15, an unmounted rare fancy intense yellow pear modified and brilliant cut diamond of 202.18 carats. Like most intense yellow diamonds it is from South Africa where deposits are rich in nitrogen.
Sotheby’s claim to have one of the world’s most significant fancy vivid yellow diamonds as a highlight of their magnificent jewels sale in Geneva on May 14. The Allnatt – named for its first recorded owner Major Alfred Allnatt, renowned British racehorse owner, philanthropist and patron of the arts – weighs in at 101.29 carats and is celebrated for its richly saturated gold colour, older cutting style and elegant 1950’s mounting by Cartier. It too originates in South Africa and the estimate is 5.6 million – 6.5 million Swiss francs (€5.74 million – €6.67 million).
Both sales are distinguished by one of a kind pieces and historic and modern jewellery from houses like Harry Winston, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany, JAR and many others.
Turquoise, lapis lazuli and diamond bracelet at Adams. UPDATE: THIS MADE 19,000 AT HAMMER
Meantime in Ireland viewing is underway both in Dublin and in Kells for the jewellery sales on May 14 at Adams and Matthews and the regular monthly jewellery and silver sale at O’Reilly’s of Francis St. in Dublin takes place on Wednesday. Top lots at Adams include a c1960 Serpenti bracelet watch and a ruby and diamond ring both by Bulgari. Each is estimated at €40,000-€60,000. A rare turquoise, lapis lazuli and diamond bracelet by Fred, Paris c1960 is estimated at €20,000-€30,000.
A Trinity bangle by Cartier is estimated at €6,000-€8,000 while a Trinity ring by the same maker (€700-€900) is one of a selection of lots available at under €1,000 in a catalogue with 268 lots in total.
A vintage diamond and enamel ring by David Morris hallmarked London 1975 is the top lot at O’Reilly’s with an estimate of €58,000-€65,000. It comes with a gold rope link and black enamel surround. A total of 234 lots will come under the hammer.
A selection of lots from Matthews
In Kells the auction at Matthews will offer silver and gold from various executor instructions, pawnbrokers unredeemed pledges and lots from private clients. The top lot is a Toi et Moi diamond ring (€12,000-€18,000). There is much to choose from in a wide selection of rings, brooches, bracelets, earrings, pendants and wristwatches. Happy hunting….
The Freedom of the City of Waterford. A Rare Irish gold Freedom Box, William Currie, Dublin, 1752-3. UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR CHF 19,050 (€19,435)
This gold freedom box from an American family collection comes up at Sotheby’s sale of gold boxes and Faberge in Geneva which runs until May 13. It was one of three gold and one silver-gilt freedom boxes given to Lionel Cranfield Sackville, Duke of Dorset, as follows: Waterford, by William Currie, Dublin, circa 1752, (the current box); Kilkenny, also by Currie, Dublin, 1753; Trinity College, Dublin by David King, Dublin,1733, all gold, and in silver-gilt, Wexford, also by Currie, circa 1755. The arms on the cover are those of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Lionel Cranfield Sackville, 10th Earl and 1st Duke of Dorset, 1687-1765, K.G., P.C., twice Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1730-37 and 1751-55). The estimate is 15,000-25,000 CHF (€15,350-€25,580).
A c1838 Cork cream jug with melon body by Richard Garde. UPDATE: THIS MADE 600 AT HAMMER
In Ireland we have a knack for a material that lends grace, style and permanence to all sorts of settings and occasions. So in a fickle era when fashion in antiques and everything else is fast moving it is heartening that silver has retained an enduring appeal.
Special silver sales at Woodwards in Cork, like the one coming up on May 11 are always popular. This one offers some Cork silver – always a draw for serious collectors – along with a selection of Irish flatware, Georgian and Victorian English silverware and plate and the estate of a collector of Royal Irish Silver. Prime lots include a 1970 pair of heavy entree dishes and covers with detachable handles by the Royal Irish Silver Co., Dublin (€2,000-€3,000), a c1775 sugar bowl with scalloped rim by Peter Wills, Cork (€700-€1,000), a c1838 cream jug with melon panelled body by Richard Garde, Cork (€500-€1,000), a pair of 1961 sauce boats (€600-€800) and an Irish butter pail design sugar bowl (€400-€800) both by William Egan and Sons.
A sugar bowl of butter pail design by William Egan & Sons Cork, with Gleninsheen Collar commemorative hallmark for 1973. UPDATE: THIS MADE 850 AT HAMMER
This extremely rare penny from the Reign of King Sitric comes up at Noonan’s in London on May 9. It is part of a selection of 100 Irish coins from the collection of US based Michael McKeever. The penny from the reign of Sitric imitating the English Long Cross coinage, was made by a moneyer named Aelwine and carries an English mint signature although it was struck in Dublin. It is in extremely fine condition. The estimate is £2,000-2,600. Sitric, who died in 927, was King of Dublin and King of Northumbria.
Another highlight is a rare groat (a silver coin worth four pence) from the reign of King Richard III who was on the throne for just two years. Struck at the Dublin mint is estimated at £1,200-1,500. The cover of the catalogue features a very rare example of a Crown Groat from the Dublin mint, struck during the reign of Edward IV (1461-1470). It is estimated at £1,500-2,000.
