antiquesandartireland.com

Information about Art, Antiques and Auctions in Ireland and around the world
  • ABOUT
  • About Des
  • Contact
  • IRISH GLASS AT ENGLISH AUCTION

    August 13th, 2014

    A County Antrim collection of  18th and early 19th century glass, which includes decanters from Bushmills, will be offered at Dreweatts and Bloomsbury’s Summer Sale at Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire on August 28.  The single owner collection was begun in the mind-1980’s with a focus on Dutch and Irish glass.  There is a late 19th century set of three cut and engraved spirit decanters from Bushmills, widely regarded as the oldest licensed distillery in the world.  The set, probably made for a tantalus, is inscribed:  The Bushmills Old Distillery Pure Malt, Co. Antrim, Ireland.  A pot still, the company’s original trade mark, is engraved in the centre.  It is estimated at £300-500.  A Dutch diamond engraved marriage goblet by Adam Frederik van Schurman (1730-1783), an amateur engraver related to the  engraver Anna Maria van Schurman (1607-1678), dates from 1757 and is estimated at £6,000-8,000.

    An Irish cut glass pedestal bowl c1800 (£200-300).

    An Irish cut glass pedestal bowl c1800 (£200-300).  UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR £450

     

    A set of three Bushmills cut and engraved spirit decanters (£300-500).

    A set of three Bushmills cut and engraved spirit decanters (£300-500).  UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR £550

     

    A Waterloo, Cork, decanter and stopper (£300-500).

    A Waterloo, Cork, decanter and stopper (£300-500). UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR £600

     

    An Irish decanter, possibly by Cork Glass Company, c1800 - cracked (£100.150).

    An Irish decanter, possibly by Cork Glass Company, c1800 – cracked (£100.150).  UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR £170

     

    A Dutch marriage goblet signed and dated by A.F. Schurman 1757 (£6,000-8,000).

    A Dutch marriage goblet signed and dated by A.F. Schurman 1757 (£6,000-8,000).  UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD

     

    GRAND BUREAU BY FRANCOIS LINKE HIGHLIGHTS SOTHEBY’S SHOW

    August 13th, 2014
    Grand Bureau by François Linke.

    Grand Bureau by François Linke.

    This magnificent Grand Bureau by Francois Linke is to be the star of the show at Sotheby’s third annual Age of Elegance – European Paintings, Furniture and Sculpture selling exhibition in Beijing and Hong Kong this autumn.  The 65 items in the exhibition have been selected to represent the pinnacle of European accomplishments in the fine and decorative arts from the rococo to the early 20th century.  The exhibition is to be held at the Grand Ballroom of the Kerry Hotel in Beijing on September 7 and 8 and at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from October 3-7 during Sotheby’s autumn sale series.  The Linke bureau is priced at US$6 million.

    To the left on the image is Affortunato Gori’s marble carving of the nymph Echo and on the wall is Gaston La Touche’s painting Fete galante from 1889.

    ORIGINAL ARTWORKS FROM THE ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS AT CHRISTIE’S

    August 13th, 2014

    Original artworks from the collection of The Illustrated London News Group will come up at Christie’s Interiors sale in South Kensington, London on October 7.  There are original illustrations from the world’s first illustrated weekly news magazine, The Illustrated London News, published from 1842 to 2003 and The Sphere, a weeklyillustrated newspaper published from 1900 to 1964. The illustrations highlight the role these publications played in chronicling British history. From their coverage of  World War I and World War II,  the wedding of Queen Elizabeth and Phillip Mountbatten and The Festival of Britain, The Illustrated London News documented key events of the time to its British and North American readership. Works on paper by leading artists and illustrators of the period, Bryan de Grineau, Steven Ward, Fortunino Matania and several oils by Terence Cuneo are featured.

    Gas Attack on British Troops in the trenches.

    Gas Attack on British Troops in the trenches.

     

    Fortunino Matania R.I. (1881-1963) The new munition workers: A busy scene in a shell factory (£700-1,000). Courtesy Christie's Images Ltd., 2014.

    Fortunino Matania R.I. (1881-1963)
    The new munition workers: A busy scene in a shell factory (£700-1,000). Courtesy Christie’s Images Ltd., 2014.

     

    Fortunino Matania R.I. (1881-1963) George V being crowned king by the Archbishop of Canterbury, June 22, 1911 (£500-700).  Courtesy Christie's Images Ltdl, 2014

    Fortunino Matania R.I. (1881-1963)
    George V being crowned king by the Archbishop of Canterbury, June 22, 1911 (£500-700). Courtesy Christie’s Images Ltdl, 2014

     

    Terence Cuneo (1907-1996) Design for the front cover of The Illustrated London News Royal Wedding Number to commemorate the marriage of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh, November 1947 (£10,000-15,000). Courtesy Christie's Images Ltd., 2014

    Terence Cuneo (1907-1996)
    Design for the front cover of The Illustrated London News Royal Wedding Number to commemorate the marriage of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh, November 1947 (£10,000-15,000). Courtesy Christie’s Images Ltd., 2014

     

    Terence Cuneo (1907-1996) Design for the front cover of the Festival of Britain edition of The Illustrated London News, 1951 (£10,000-15,000).  Courtesy Christie's Images Ltd., 2014

    Terence Cuneo (1907-1996)
    Design for the front cover of the Festival of Britain edition of The Illustrated London News, 1951 (£10,000-15,000). Courtesy Christie’s Images Ltd., 2014

     

    INSPIRATION FOR JANE EYRE WINS HISTORIC HOUSES AWARD

    August 12th, 2014
    Norton Conyers

    Norton Conyers

    Norton Conyers near Ripon in North Yorkshire –  a house that inspired Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre – has won the Historic Houses Association and Sotheby’s Restoration Award for 2014.  The late medieval North Yorkshire home of Sir James and Lady Graham, extensively rebuilt in the 17th century, has been the Graham family home since 1624.  Charlotte  Brontë is believed to have visited Norton Conyers in 1839 and it was the inspiration for Thornfield Hall. The family legend of a “madwoman” secretly confined to an attic room might have given her the idea for the crazed Mrs Rochester.

    Sir James and Lady Graham, a former museum curator, began the restoration of Norton Conyers in 2006. Their assiduous work over the past eight years revealed fascinating layers of history, which visitors will be able to discover in July of 2015, when the house reopens to the public.  The restoration enhanced many features mentioned by Brontë in her description of Thornfield Hall: the battlements around the roof, the lawn, the rookery, the broad oak staircase lit by a high latticed window, the high square hall and the mad woman’s room in the third storey attic. Following the discovery of a staircase leading to the attic a secret door has been created in the 19th century panelling, opening the space to the public for the first time. Finds made during the restoration process include Tudor painted boards hidden behind 18th century plaster and a 1760’s wallpaper.

    Richard Compton, President of the Historic Houses Association commented: “Norton Conyers is a very special house, steeped in history. It has been so sensitively and painstakingly restored in recent years by its very knowledgeable owners, Sir James and Lady Graham. I always look upon Norton Conyers as a classic HHA Member property whose owners are so dedicated towards the maintenance of this special place. Great care has been taken to respect the history and development of this historic house and in so doing, over the past eight years, successive layers of history have been uncovered. The HHA is delighted that this award is being made to mark and celebrate the Grahams’ remarkable achievements”.

    Great Hall, Norton Conyers courtesy of Sir James Graham.

    Great Hall, Norton Conyers courtesy of Sir James Graham.

    Staircase leading to the attic.  Courtesy Sir James Graham.

    Staircase leading to the attic. Courtesy Sir James Graham.

    IRISH WOMEN ARTISTS EXHIBITION MOVES TO CLANDEBOYE

    August 11th, 2014
    The James Adam Summer Loan exhibition – Irish Women Artists 1870-1970 – has moved to the Ava Gallery, Clandeboye Estate, Co. Down from St. Stephen’s Green in Dublin.  The exhibition highlights the significant role women played in the history of Irish art from the foundation of the Watercolour Society to the introduction of modernism and the founding of the Irish Exhibition of Living Art from 1943.  The non selling exhibition  includes artists like Sarah Purser, Helen Mabel Trevor, Maria Dorothy Webb, Mildred A Butler, Rose Barton, Mainie Jellett, Evie Hone, Elizabeth Rivers, Norah McGuinness, Letitia Hamilton, Grace Henry, Lady Glenavy and Estella Solomons with sculpture by Hilary Heron and Gerda Fromel.  It is at Clandeboye until September 5.  Here is a sample:

    Camille House (b1929) - House in Calary

    Camille House (b1929) – House in Calary

    Hilary Heron (1923-1977) - Crazy Jane 1

    Hilary Heron (1923-1977) – Crazy Jane 1

    Sarah Purser (1848-1943)  - A Visitor

    Sarah Purser (1848-1943) – A Visitor

    Maria Dorothy Webb (1850-1900) - Girl in an Orchard

    Maria Dorothy Webb (1850-1900) – Girl in an Orchard

    Maiie Jellett (1897-1944) - Fear Not Mary,

    Maiie Jellett (1897-1944) – Fear Not Mary,

     

    A GIFT FROM KING GEORGE III AT BANTRY AUCTION

    August 9th, 2014

    A gift from King George III, a pair of full length portraits of the King in coronation robes and Queen Charlotte, will come up at the Bantry House auction by Edinburgh based Lyon and Turnbull next October 21.  The auction offers much of interest to specialists and collectors, not least these gifs from the King to the First Earl of Bantry in recognition of his role in repelling the French invasion in Bantry Bay in 1797,   Richard White was created Baron Bantry and Viscount Bantry in 1800 became Earl of Bantry in 1816.  The portraits, from the studio of Allan Ramsay, are estimated at 30,000-50,000.

    This website will keep readers posted about lots in this important sale, which includes exquisite 18th century Gobelins tapestries from the Palace of Versailles and an important Russian iconostasis, or portable icon on a stand.

    Studio of Allan Ramsay - Full length portrait of King George III in coronation robes.

    Studio of Allan Ramsay – Full length portrait of King George III in coronation robes.

    Studio of Allan Ramsay - full length portrait of Queen Charlotte.

    Studio of Allan Ramsay – full length portrait of Queen Charlotte.

    (See post on antiquesandartireland.com for June 19, 2014)

    THE REAL DOWNTON ABBEY AT CHRISTIE’S ONLINE AUCTION

    August 9th, 2014

    Heroes at Highclere: Experience the real Downton Abbey, is the seductive title of a Christie’s online only charity auction which runs until August 14. It offers twelve experiences and items that offer a taste of life at the real Downton Abbey, Highclere in Berkshire, with starting bids from £250. These  include an overnight stay at Highclere Castle for a party of three couples, who can reside in Lady Sybil’s, Lady Edith’s and Lady Cora’s quarters (starting bid £10,000); a lesson from the butlering staff in how to set the table (starting bid £2,000); and afternoon tea with Baroness Jenkin, with a tour of the House of Lords and an overnight stay for two at The Goring Hotel including dinner (starting bid £2,000). The auction is accessible at www.christies.com/heroesathighclere with all proceeds raised going to Armed Forces charities which support both veterans and victims of war, including The Royal British Legion, Oxfam and Combat Stress.

    Visitors’ book from the hospital at Bryanston Square Containing signatures of VIPs at the opening on 4th January 1916, and subsequently. Includes signature of Lord Kitchener Provenance: Highclere Castle Archives © Highclere Castle Archives

    Visitors’ book from the hospital at Bryanston Square
    Containing signatures of VIPs at the opening on 4th January 1916, and subsequently.
    Includes signature of Lord Kitchener
    Provenance: Highclere Castle Archives
    © Highclere Castle Archives

    An opportunity for a Party of Three Couples to stay overnight in Lady Sybil’s, Lady Edith’s and Lady Cora’s quarters, including Cocktails and Dinner as guests of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon at a mutually agreed date. To be taken by 30th August 2015 Starting Bid: £10,000

    An opportunity for a Party of Three Couples to stay overnight in Lady Sybil’s, Lady Edith’s and Lady Cora’s quarters, including Cocktails and Dinner as guests of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon at a mutually agreed date. To be taken by 30th August 2015
    Starting Bid: £10,000

    A Silver Medal Awarded For Growing The Best Vegetables In The Trenches Inscribed `BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE.’ `VEGETABLE SHOW.’ `HAVRE. AUG 1918’ and inscribed `CARROTS MEDIUM AND SHORT VARIETIES. 1ST PRIZE. With hallmarks for Birmingham 1918. 2 in. (5.1cm.) Provenance: The Garden Museum in Lambeth, London © Garden Museum, London

    A Silver Medal Awarded For Growing The Best Vegetables In The Trenches
    Inscribed `BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE.’ `VEGETABLE SHOW.’ `HAVRE. AUG 1918’ and inscribed `CARROTS MEDIUM AND SHORT VARIETIES. 1ST PRIZE. With hallmarks for Birmingham 1918.
    2 in. (5.1cm.)
    Provenance: The Garden Museum in Lambeth, London
    © Garden Museum, London

     

    AUCTION SALES AT SOTHEBY’S UP 24% IN FIRST HALF OF 2014

    August 8th, 2014
    The American Flamingo by John James Audubon.

    The American Flamingo by John James Audubon.

    Auction sales at Sotheby’s rose by 24% in the first half of 2014 over the first six months of 2013.  A total of 487 lots were sold for over $1 million in the period according to the first half results.  Contemporary art was up by 24% and jewellery by 34%.  A total of 41% more works were sold privately than in the first six months of 2013.

    More than a dozen selling exhibitions are planned for the autumn season. Sales at Hong Kong and Beijing were up 56% and there was a 35% increase globally in buyers from mainland China. Participation in the BIDnow programme more than doubled and 16% more lots were sold online. John James Audubon’s elephant-folio The Birds of America sold in April 2014 for $3.5 million – marking a new record for an online purchase in a live auction at Sotheby’s. A partnership between Sotheby’s and e-Bay has been announced recently.

    (See post on antiquesandartireland.com for July 16, 2014)

    AUTUMN SALES AT SOTHEBY’S, HONG KONG

    August 8th, 2014

    The autumn sales sales at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong will feature Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Fine Chinese Paintings, Contemporary Literati – Contemporary Ink Paintings, Contemporary Asian Art, 20th Century Chinese Art, Modern and Contemporary Southeast Asian Paintings, Jewellery, Watches and Wines.  Highlights include a Xuande “Fish” Stemcup from the Chunzaiahai Collection and a 35.72 carat Colombian emerald ring.  The  Xuande stemcup is the only example of this particular type and size ever to come to the market. This abstract design of three fish testifies to both the innovative approach to painting at the Imperial kilns in Jingdezhen and the technical progress in the firing of the copper-red, a notoriously fickle pigment. This piece came to market for the first time at Sotheby’s in 1956 from the collection of Allen J. Mercher. It has since spent two decades in the Chang Foundation in Taipei.

    The sales will be held from October 4-8 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Here is a small sample.

    An Important And Fine Copper-Red ‘Fish’ Stemcup Mark And Period Of Xuande 8.8 cm Expected to fetch in excess of US$5.1 million

    An Important And Fine Copper-Red ‘Fish’ Stemcup
    Mark And Period Of Xuande
    8.8 cm Expected to fetch in excess of US$5.1 million

    The Imperial Kashmir A 17.16-Carat Step-Cut Kashmir Sapphire And Diamond Ring (US$2.8 – 3.6 million)

    The Imperial Kashmir
    A 17.16-Carat Step-Cut Kashmir Sapphire And Diamond Ring
    (US$2.8 – 3.6 million)

    Zhang Daqian (1899 – 1983) La Beauté Antique 1953

    Zhang Daqian (1899 – 1983)
    La Beauté Antique
    1953

     

    MORE THAN 500 AFFORDABLE LOTS AT ADAMS ATTIC SALE

    August 7th, 2014
    More than 500 lots of affordable interiors pieces and miscellaneous curiosities will come under the hammer at the James Adam attic auction in Dublin on August 12. The sale features a mix of silver, glass, furniture, paintings and collectible items.  Many lots will be sold without any reserve. The catalogue is on-line. Here is a small selection:

    Michael Coleman - Abstract Series (mixed media on paper).

    Michael Coleman – Abstract Series (mixed media on paper). (700-1,000)  UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD

    A Victorian rosewood folding tea table (1,500-2,000).

    A Victorian rosewood folding tea table (1,500-2,000).  UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD

    A pair of Chinese porcelain baluster vases (150-250)

    A pair of Chinese porcelain baluster vases (150-250)  UPDATE: THESE SOLD FOR 300

     A large 19th century giltwood and gesso overmantle mirror  (800-1,200).

    A large 19th century giltwood and gesso overmantle mirror (800-1,200). UPDATE: THIS MADE 1,350 AT HAMMER