Birds in Flight by John Behan UPDATE: THIS MADE 8,400 AT HAMMER
A tall and significant Birds in Flight sculpture by John Behan will lead Woodwards sale in Cork on February 8. The appealing series of birds in flight by the much loved Irish sculptor who created the Swan fountain at Bishop Lucey Park in Cork city centre is enduringly popular and sought after. This one is estimated at €10,000-€15,000.
Garden lots on offer include a pair of cast iron domed benches (€2,500-€3,500) and a pair of cast iron vases (€1,200-€1,600). Antique furniture pieces like a Georgian walnut card table, an Irish Georgian display cabinet (each €300-€400), a Georgian wine cooler and an Edwardian display cabinet (each €300-€500), a William IV table and a pair of inlaid tube chairs (each €200-€300) are all modestly and realistically estimated. Art includes a pastel by Tom Walsh. The sale is on view all week and the catalogue is online.
King of the Roads by Tom Walsh. UPDATE: THIS MADE 500 AT HAMMER
A selection from what Derry O’Keeffe, Automobilia and Collectibles, will bring to the Limerick fair.
Walk, trot, canter or gallop around Ireland’s biggest art and vintage fair at Limerick Racecourse today and tomorrow and there is every chance you will end up in the winners enclosure. If you are a collector there is sure to be something here just for you.
A very broad range of interests is catered for in this national assembly of antique shops, art galleries and vintage dealers. On offer are collections ranging from art to vintage fashion, collectibles to antique furniture pieces for the home. There is jewellery, silver, glass, coins, banknotes, Oriental rugs, memorabilia, porcelain, clocks, mirrors, comics, old Irish glass and even bakelite radios. This comfortable fully indoor event with ample parking offers an inspirational collection of objects across all price points.
The Purple Onion gallery will display Returning Home by Henry McGrane at the Limerick fair
Tom Wesselmann (1931-2004) – “Smoking Cigarette # 1,”1980
Galerie Gmurzynska of Zurich will bring this artwork by Tom Wesselmann to the Winter Show which opens today in New York. Made of oil and wood on masonite with a formica base it is signed and dated. The renowned fair brings together over 70 internationally known dealers from Europe and the Americas featuring rare,museum-quality pieces. Myriad works from paintings and works on paper, fine furniture, and design, to jewellery, and contemporary ceramics and glass will be on view. The Fair was established in the mid-1950s as a benefit for East Side House Settlement and, by the end of that decade, had firmly established itself as the leading event of its kind in the United States. The 71st edition of the fair continues until February 2.
Maison Gerard of New York will bring this unique c1930 Art Deco coffee and tea set by Bloch-Eschwege Silversmith & Maurice Muller (1907-2003) Pic Arian Camilleri
This red lacquered sideboard by Jules is a highlight on the stand of Milord Antiques at the New York Winter Show.
From lacquered sideboards to medieval books of hours and a Swedish rococo cabinet to a prized Cork Distilleries sign, antiques fairs are of enormous interest whether the audience is global and international or local.
It tends to make not a whole lot of difference. The popularity of fairs at all levels of the collecting world is undiminished. This is where discoveries are made, inspiration flourishes and new deals are struck.
Upcoming fairs in New York, London and Limerick this month offer an array of breathtaking objects to stimulate the imagination of any collector.
The biggest is The Winter Show in New York. Long located at the Park Avenue Armory in Manhattan this annual US highlight with dealers from Europe and the United State has a global reach. Taking place from January 24 to February 2 the 71st edition of the fair will feature rare and exceptional art and antiques from antiquity to day with over 70 exhibitors.
Les enluminures will bring this 15th century Book of Hours to the Winter Show in New York.
Among them are Milord Antiques from Montreal with 20th century design, antique furniture and artworks. They will feature a red lacquered sideboard by Jules with gold leaf, etched motif and brass legs. Jules Leleu (1883-1961) was the winner of the grand prize at the 1925 Exposition in Paris. Among his many commissions were designs for the ocean liners Ile de France and Normandie, huge signifiers of 20th century style, luxury and glamour.
At another point of the collecting spectrum Les Enluminures of Chicago, Paris and New York will highlight a c1480-90 Book of Hours from Rouen, an illuminated manuscript in Latin and French with 12 full page miniatures by the Master of Raoul Du Fou.
Christopher Hall Antiques will bring this 18th century Rococo cabinet from Sweden to London’s Decorative Fair.
In London the Winter Decorative Fair at Battersea Park kicks off next Tuesday (January 21) and continues until January 26. Launched specifically for the interiors market in 1985 by a dealer in decorative antiques, The Decorative Fair was an instant hit with designers, decorators and the trade, and has become an internationally renowned thrice-yearly event.
Around 130 exhibitors will display decorative and formal antique furniture, 20th century design, art and collectibles like furniture, lighting and mirrors, rugs, folk and tribal art. Courtesy coaches to Battersea Park will operate from Cliveden Place, SW 1 near Sloane Square underground.
Paul Butler of Kilkenny will bring this Cork Distilleries sign to the National Antiques Fair at Limerick Racecourse next weekend.
The National Antiques Fair at Limerick Racecourse next weekend is a must, especially for those unprepared to make the winter journey to New York or London. This fully indoor event, open from 11 am to 6 pm on January 25 and 26, is brimful with antique shops, art galleries and vintage dealers.
There is art from galleries like Treasures in Athlone, who will bring work by artists like James Brohan and Mark O’Neill, collectibles from La Belle Epoque, militaria and enamel signs from Paul Butler of Kilkenny along with a great collection of vintage fashion, hats and handbags, jewellery, antique furniture, Oriental rugs, old Bakelite radios and even two vintage votive stands in solid brass from Annamoe Antiques. The time to join in the hunt is now.
This small 18th century Rococo cabinet from Sweden will be shown by Christopher Hall Antiques at London’s Decorative Fair.
The Winter Edition of the Decorative Fair from January 21-26 will play host to the London antique, rug and textile art fair at Battersea Park. This internationally renowed thrice yearly event offers and broad and exciting range of antique pieces, 20th century design and fine and decorative art from antiquity to the present day. A foyer display, The Architect’s Study, inspired by classical architect George Saumarez Smith will showcase furniture, art and objects suitable for a study. Around 130 specialist dealers will attend.
Edwin Mercer will show this Victorian correspondence box at the National Antiques, Art and Vintage fair at Limerick Racecourse this weekend. Inlaid with mother of pearl and with its original key and slots for unanswered and answered letters it is one of thousands of collectibles objects at this fair. There is everything from tribal art, vintage fashion, Irish contemporary art, jewellery, silver and antique furniture to coins and banknotes, militaria and rugs. Opening times are from 11 am to 6 pm today and tomorrow.
George I coffee pot with side handle by Thomas Walker, Dublin (1726)
The National Antique Fair at Limerick Racecourse next weekend, magnificent jewels in Geneva and Irish art in London are among upcoming events which will draw large numbers of collectors to the fascinating world of art, antiques and collectibles at all price points this month.
Among the many treasures for which the hunt is hotting up are an antique Irish silver coffee pot, a Georgian officers gorget or throat covering from the Royal Meath Militia, vintage fashion and Irish art and collectibles at the Limerick fair, a Cartier diamond necklace at Christie’s in Geneva on November 12, jewellery from the Royal Court of Bulgaria at Sotheby’s in Geneva on November 13, masterpieces by William Orpen and John Lavery at Sotheby’s Modern British and Irish art evening sale in London on November 14 and a selection of Irish art from Paul Henry, George Mounsey Wheatley Atkinson and Nano Reid to contemporary works by Jack Coulter, Richard Hearns, John Behan, Orla de Bri and more at Sotheby’s day sale in London on November 15.
Eily Henry vintage fashion will feature this headwear at the National Antiques Fair in Limerick
Opening times for the National Antiques, Art and Vintage fair at Limerick Racecourse are from 11 am to 6 on November 16 and 17. There will be 80 dealers from right around Ireland with everything from a pair of vases by Zak Scherzer of Vienna with paintings by Rembrandt at Edwin Mercer, vintage flagons, clocks and collectibles at Dan Hartnett and an exceptional George I coffee pot by Thomas Walker (Dublin 1726) which Weldon’s will display on November 17.
Vintage fashion and jewellery is enduringly popular. Among the choices available are an eyecatching Philip Treacy type hat at Eily Henry and a nine carat yellow gold wide gate bracelet at Bedlam antiques. There is porcelain and glass at Brian Hurley, Irish art at the Purple Onion gallery, militaria including the gorget of Lt. Col. Thomas Pepper of the Royal Meath Militia and selections of antique furniture, jewellery, books and collectibles to inspire and delight.
Art Deco diamond necklace, signed Cartier London, 1935, at Christie’s UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR US$5,090,571
It is rare to encounter a group of jewels from the 1920’s and ’30’s which have remained in the same family and have not been remodelled. A magnificent Cartier Art Deco Indo-Persian diamond necklace from 1935 will highlight a collection of superb jewels from the Sassoon family at Christie’s in Geneva next Tuesday The bank where they were stored was completely in World War II. A helpful policeman advised the owner at the ruins to check with a local police station. It transpired that her deposit box had been transferred there. Never at auction before the necklace is estimated at US$1 million – $1.5 million (€920,000-€1,380,000). At Sotheby’s in Geneva on the following day more than 100 pieces from Tsar Ferdinand and the Royal Court of Bulgaria will come under the hammer.
Sotheby’s will bring a great selection of Irish art to the international stage at sales in London next Thursday and Friday. A portrait of Mrs. St. George by Orpen and a Venetian scene by Lavery will feature in the evening sale on Thursday. A Cork collection of maritime paintings by George Mounsey Wheatley Atkinson and art and sculpture by Gareth Reid – Sky Portrait Artist of the Decade, 2023 – Tony O’Malley, Rowan Gillespie, Patrick Hennessy, Felim Egan, John Kingerlee and William Conor and others feature at the day sale next Friday.
Still Life with Butterfly by Patrick Hennessy at Sotheby’s. UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD
Irish Georgian silver, Art Nouveau, contemporary Irish art, vintage fashion and accessories, Lady Lavery banknotes, Art Deco, Victoriana, well crafted Edwardian furniture, vintage bakelite radios, Oriental rugs, diamond jewellery, a musical drinks trolley – you name it and there is a good chance you will come across it at Ireland’s biggest antique, art and vintage fair at Limerick Racecourse on September 7 and 8.
Whether you are in search of inspiration or want to exercise a connoisseur’s eye, a seasoned collector or simply curious, seeking a bargain or a particular prime piece this comfortable indoor venue with ample parking is the place to be. You might happen across something special you did not even know you were looking for or delight in a discovery like a large stoneware wine flagon stamped Maziere & Sainthill, Cork.
A Cork flagon with an interesting stamp.
Lost in the mists of time they were a firm of wine merchants trading in Cork as early as 1750 when wine from Bordeaux was one of our major imports. Located at Nelson’s Place, the older name for Emmet Place in the city centre, the firm was bought out by Woodford Bourne in 1869. Dan Harnett will offer a flagon engraved as follows: Woodford Bourne & Co Wine & Spirit Merchants, Successors to Maziere and Sainthill, Cork.
Weldons will bring a highly collectible c1770 Cork silver coffee pot by John Nicholson and other rarities like a c1715 Dublin silver tea pot and a large Irish George III silver salver made in 1794 by John Laughlin. Courtville Antiques of Dublin is another member of the Irish Antique Dealers Association who will attend. Sadly the annual IADA fair in Dublin will not go ahead this autumn.
A complete collection of Lady Lavery banknotes
There will be no shortage of dealers in coins and banknotes. Robert Hutchinson will bring a complete collection of Lady Lavery banknotes from ten shillings to £100. Eily Henry will offer a big selection of vintage fashion including hats and accessories and there will be plenty of collectibles, gold chains, bracelets and costume jewellery to browse through at Bedlam antiques.
Deep in the Woods by Mark O’Neill.
Mark O’Neill is a popular artist and a selection of his work can be found at Treasures of Athlone and there will be a diverse range of art at the Purple Onion Gallery. A musical table drinks trolley in the form of an elegant carriage will be a feature at La Belle Epoque and along with an array of interesting pieces including old bakelite radios Annamore Antiques will offer 80 vintage and antique Persian rugs and runners.
There is no shortage of smaller collectible items like glorious antique porcelain, Clarice Cliff ceramics at Brian Hurley’s stand, silver and brass candlesticks, treen and even an unusual Free Will Offerings collection box at Edwin Mercer. This is a wonderful assembly of antique shops, art galleries and vintage dealers from right around Ireland. Opening times are from 11 am to 6 pm on both days.
Ardent by Kenneth Webb will be featured by The Purple Onion Gallery
Antique furniture, art, jewellery, vintage fashion, rugs and collectibles will be in full supply at the packed to the rafters Birr Vintage Week antique and art fair on August 5 and 6.
Among more than 30 dealers from right around Ireland in attendance will be Treasures Irish Art of Athlone, Greene’s furniture and jewellery of Drogheda, Ashbrook Antiques of Roscrea with French furniture, Eily Henry vintage of Stradbally, Co. Waterford, Sandra Hogan of Cork with silver and jewellery, Eddie Moylan of Listowel with clocks and watches and Anne Hawkins of Dublin with vintage costume jewellery.
This gives an idea of the nationwide breadth and depth of this long running Bank Holiday fair, founded by the late antique dealer and auctioneer Ena Hocter and organised for many years now by Hibernian Antique Fairs.
A selection of vintage Irish banknotes which Robert Hutchison will bring to the fair.
The fair, which takes place at the County Arms Hotel in the heart of Birr from 11 am to 6 pm on the two days, offers something for everyone. Along with antique furniture and art it will include rarities like a highly collectible early Birr currency token and items to jog the memory like a selection of old Irish banknotes which Robin Hutchison will feature along with a selection of militaria and coins.
The artist Mark O’Neill is perennially popular. Treasures Irish Art will offer a selection of his paintings at their stand in Birr. Treasures have mounted an exhibition of art by Mark O’Neill at their newly opened expanded antique shop in Athlone, just a short walk from their former premises. In an era when so many antique shops have closed it is heartening to find a new one.
Ashbrook Antiques of Roscrea will bring this Louis XV style side table with carrara marble top
Fairs plugged the gap opened up by shop closures and offer a valuable showcase for dealers at a time when retail is among the sectors under huge pressure.
Annamore Antiques from Co. Wicklow will offer a selection of Persian rugs and 18th century artefacts. There will be a selection of furniture and small items at La Belle Epoque, Raymond Byrne of Co. Roscommon will feature porcelain and china and Edward Elliman of Dublin will bring militaria. Watches, wine and that great new collectible, Irish whiskey, are among an eclectic mix of collectibles to be worn, imbibed and generally enjoyed.
The 56th annual Birr Vintage Week runs until August 10 with a packed programme of events in a vintage town with a fine selection of 18th century architecture.
A Cork silver freedom box by George Hodder c1760 at the National Antiques Fair in Limerick.
With everything from a rare Cork silver freedom box and a vintage rocking horse to an eyecatching contemporary photograph of Loop Head, stylish oil lamps and elegant vintage furniture the National antiques, art and vintage fair at Limerick Racecourse today and tomorrow (June 15-16) offers an extraordinary range. Here you will find antique shops, art galleries, vintage dealers with fine and rare pieces and nostalgic collectibles in a roomy setting with ample easy parking. Irish art, an array of antique furniture from dealers like Greene’s of Drogheda, Oriental rugs from Annamoe Antiques in Co. Wicklow, hats and handbags from vintage fashion dealer Eily Henry, porcelain, antique glass, a portable HMV gramophone at and a vintage copper Irish Distillers hot whiskey dispenser at the stand of Sean and Breege Cassidy, coins, banknotes, rare books and even a Norwegian ladle at Edwin and Lorna Mercier’s stand combine to make Ireland’s biggest fair an event with something for everyone.
More than 70 dealers from all round the country will be in attendance. James Weldon of Dublin will bring the Cork freedom box illustrated above, made in 1760 by George Hodder and a George III Cork coffee pot by John Nicholson to the fair on Sunday, and is unable to attend today. Opening times on both days are from 11 am to 6 pm.
A striking photograph of Loop Head by Camille Seaman at the Purple Onion Gallery at the National Antiques Fair in Limerick.
