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    • A GEORGIAN COUNTRY HOUSE CLEARANCE NEAR FERNS, WEXFORD

    September 26th, 2013
    With everything from a stylish maroon coloured 1952 MG Saloon to an 18th century Dublin longcase clock An Auctioneers Lot – the Georgian country house clearance sale by Mealy’s on the premises at Woodview House, Ballingale, Ferns, Co. Wexford on October 1 – promises to be of considerable  interest.  The owner, a local fine art auctioneers, is retiring and the sale includes his private collection of antique clocks and militaria. Among more than 600 lots is a wide selection of 18th and 19th century furniture, period paintings, garden furniture, ceramics, silver, books and wine.  The catalogue is online.  Here is a small selection:

    A c1952 MG YB Saloon in original maroon colour, complete with extensive history file (5,000-8,000).

    A c1952 MG YB Saloon in original maroon colour, complete with extensive history file (5,000-8,000).  UPDATE: THIS WAS SOLD FOR 6,000 AFTER THE AUCTION.

    An Irish 18th century longcase clock by John Crosthwaite of Dublin (7,000-9,000).

    An Irish 18th century longcase clock by John Crosthwaite of Dublin (7,000-9,000).  UPDATE: THIS MADE 7,500

    A 19th century Killarney work table (2,000-3,000).

    A 19th century Killarney work table (2,000-3,000). UPDATE: THIS MADE 2,100

    A.L. Grace "What Shall we do with the Drunken Sailor" (700-1,100).

    A.L. Grace “What Shall we do with the Drunken Sailor” (700-1,100).  UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR 675

    Posted in AUCTIONS, COLLECTIBLES, FURNITURE | Comments Off on A GEORGIAN COUNTRY HOUSE CLEARANCE NEAR FERNS, WEXFORD

    MOST VALUABLE DIAMOND EVER TO BE OFFERED AT AUCTION

    September 25th, 2013
    The Pink Star. (Click on image to enlarge it).

    The Pink Star. (Click on image to enlarge it). UPDATE: SOLD FOR $83,187,381

    THE Pink Star, the most valuable diamond ever to be offered at auction, comes up at Sotheby’s in Geneva on November 13.  The 59.60 oval diamond, estimated to make more than $60 million, is the largest internally flawless fancy vivid pink diamond that the Gemological Institute of America has ever graded.

    David Bennett, Chairman of Sotheby’s Jewellery Division in Europe and the Middle East and Chairman of Sotheby’s Switzerland, said: “I have had the privilege of examining some of the greatest gemstones in the world over the past 35 years, and I can say, without hesitation, that The Pink Star diamond is of immense importance. Its exceptional richness of colour – graded as ‘vivid pink’ by the Gemological Institute of America – combined with its extraordinary size, are characteristics that surpass those of any known pink diamond in State, Royal, or private collections. It is difficult to exaggerate the rarity of vivid pink diamonds weighing only five carats, so this 59.60 carat stone is simply off any scale, and passes, I believe, into the ranks of the earth’s greatest natural treasures.”

    The 132.5 carat rough diamond was mined by De Beers in Africa in 1999 and painstakingly cut and polished by Steinmetz Diamonds over a period of two years. Unveiled as the ‘Steinmetz Pink’ in Monaco in 2003, the stone was first sold in 2007 and subsequently renamed ‘The Pink Star’.

    UPDATE:  IT MADE US$83,187,381 AND SET A NEW AUCTION RECORD FOR A DIAMOND OR JEWEL.  THE SALE TOTALLED $199,512,930, THE HIGHEST JEWELLERY SALE TOTAL IN HISTORY.

    Posted in AUCTIONS, COLLECTIBLES | Comments Off on MOST VALUABLE DIAMOND EVER TO BE OFFERED AT AUCTION

    IRISH 18th CENTURY COMMODES SELL FOR £115,000

    September 24th, 2013
    These late 18th century Irish commodes sold for £115,000 at Cheffins.

    These late 18th century Irish commodes sold for £115,000 at Cheffins.

    Lord Edward FitzGerald's 18th Century band ring inscribed 'Left by Lord Edward FitzGerald, when on his deathbed, to Lady Lucy Foley, June 1798'. She was his sister. The ring sold for £6,000.

    Lord Edward FitzGerald’s 18th Century band ring inscribed ‘Left by Lord Edward FitzGerald, when on his deathbed, to Lady Lucy Foley, June 1798’. She was his sister. The ring sold for £6,000.

    A pair of late 18th century Irish satinwood corner commodes have been sold for £115,000 at hammer at Cheffins in Cambridge.  From Carton House and attributed to the renowned Dublin maker William Moore they had been estimated at £12,000-15,000.  The tops are inlaid with classical urns, draped with husks and surrounded by etched acanthus leaf scrolls, inlaid with hounds within a cross-banded border. The frieze is centred by a brass rams head mask and flanked by inlaid scrolls and husks.  The doors are inlaid and hung with chains of husks, further inlaid with griffins, scrolls and husks.

    There was furniture from Carton and paintings from the Leinster Will Trust.  A ring given by the rebel and patriot Lord Edward FitzGerald to his sister sold for £6,000 and a portrait of Lord Henry FitzGerald made £13,000.  (Click on either image to enlarge it).

    Posted in AUCTIONS, COLLECTIBLES, FURNITURE | Comments Off on IRISH 18th CENTURY COMMODES SELL FOR £115,000

    SPECTACULAR IRISH SIDE TABLES AT ADAMS, SLANE CASTLE

    September 22nd, 2013
    The mid 18th century Irish side tables at Adams, Slane Castle (150,000-200,000)

    The mid 18th century Irish side tables at Adams, Slane Castle (150,000-200,000) (CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE).  UPDATE: THESE WERE UNSOLD

    A spectacular pair of mid 18th century Irish side tables is the furniture highlight of Adams two day Country House Collections sale at Slane Castle on October 13 and 14.  The 800 lot sale features treasures drawn from a number of fine old country houses like Beaulieu near Drogheda where many lots in the auction come from, Somerton outside Dublin, former home of the Laidlaws and Ardbraccan near Navan.

    The Broughshane Cup from 1751 (25,000-35,000).

    The Broughshane Cup from 1751 (25,000-35,000).  UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR A HAMMER PRICE OF 25,000

    The mid 18th century Irish side tables, with breccia marble tops and carved Venus shells, are from the Laidlaw collection and are estimated at 150,000-200,000. A rare memento of the infancy of horse racing in Ireland is the Brougshane Cup from 1751.  It commemorates the founding year of Broughshane Racecourse in Co. Antrim.  As an example of Irish racing history it predates by five years the cup by Robert Calderwood in the National Museum of Ireland.  It is estimated at 25,000-35,000.  Antique Irish furniture, silver and fine European and Chinese porcelain will take centre stage this year.

    Posted in ART, AUCTIONS, COLLECTIBLES, FURNITURE | Comments Off on SPECTACULAR IRISH SIDE TABLES AT ADAMS, SLANE CASTLE

    IRISH ART AUCTION AT WHYTE’S

    September 22nd, 2013

    THE sale of Irish art at Whyte’s at the RDS on September 30 will feature a broad cross section of art and artists. There is plenty to explore with around 250 lots on offer.  The catalogue is online.  Here is a small selection (you can click on any image to enlarge it). UPDATE:  The top lot at the auction was Sir John Lavery’s 1919 portrait of The Lady Parmoor which made 50,000.  A Corner of a Farmyard by Walter Osborne sold for 38,000 at hammer.

    John Behan RHA (b.1938) FLIGHT OF BIRDS (1,200-1,500)

    John Behan RHA (b.1938)
    FLIGHT OF BIRDS (1,200-1,500)  UPDATE: THIS MADE 2,600 AT HAMMER

    Brian Ballard RUA (b.1943) MORTAR, PESTLE AND LEMONS, 2002 (1,200-1,500)

    Brian Ballard RUA (b.1943)
    MORTAR, PESTLE AND LEMONS, 2002 (1,200-1,500) UPDATE: THIS MADE 1,700 AT HAMMER

    Desmond Carrick RHA (1928-2012) LOW WATER ON THE LIFFEY, BALLYSMUTTAN, COUNTY WICKLOW (1,000-1,500)

    Desmond Carrick RHA (1928-2012)
    LOW WATER ON THE LIFFEY, BALLYSMUTTAN, COUNTY WICKLOW (1,000-1,500)  UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD

    Sean Scully (b.1945) DARK BRIDGE, 2003 (1,200-1,500)

    Sean Scully (b.1945)
    DARK BRIDGE, 2003 (1,200-1,500)  UPDATE: THIS MADE 1,500

    Felim Egan (b.1952) NIGHT BOUNDARY, 2000 (2,500-3,500)

    Felim Egan (b.1952)
    NIGHT BOUNDARY, 2000 (2,500-3,500) UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD

    Daniel O’Neill (1920-1974) EVENING AFTER THE STORM (5,000-7,000)

    Daniel O’Neill (1920-1974)
    EVENING AFTER THE STORM (5,000-7,000)  UPDATE: THIS MADE 5,000

    Louis le Brocquy HRHA (1916-2012) HEAD OF GIRL, 1947 (5,000-7,000)

    Louis le Brocquy HRHA (1916-2012)
    HEAD OF GIRL, 1947 (5,000-7,000) UPDATE: THIS WAS WITHDRAWN PRIOR TO AUCTION.

    Sir William Orpen RA RI RHA (1878-1931) PORTRAIT OF CAPTAIN COLIN DAVID BRODIE, 1928 (20,000-30,000)

    Sir William Orpen RA RI RHA (1878-1931)
    PORTRAIT OF CAPTAIN COLIN DAVID BRODIE, 1928 (20,000-30,000)  UPDATE: THIS MADE 34,000 AT HAMMER

    Mabel Young (1889-1974) MOUNTAINS AND LOUGH (2,500-3,500).

    Mabel Young (1889-1974)
    MOUNTAINS AND LOUGH (2,500-3,500). UPDATE: THIS MADE 4,000 AT HAMMER

    Posted in ART, AUCTIONS | Comments Off on IRISH ART AUCTION AT WHYTE’S

    JEWELLERY AT O’REILLYS, FRANCIS ST.

    September 22nd, 2013

    Around 400 lots of jewellery, watches, silver and gold will come under the hammer at O’Reilly’s of Francis St., Dublin on September 25.    The catalogue is online. Here is a small selection:

    A diamond and emerald cluster ring, the trap cut emerald estimated at 9.99 ct, diamonds 2.20 carats (20,000-26,000).

    A diamond and emerald cluster ring, the trap cut emerald estimated at 9.99 ct, diamonds 2.20 carats (20,000-26,000). UPDATE: THIS MADE 21,000

    A three stone diamond ring with emerald cut diamonds, GIA certified centre stone; 2.21 ct, E colour, VVS1 clarity, estimated; weight of side stones; 0.60 ct each 22,000 - 25,000

    A three stone diamond ring with emerald cut diamonds, GIA certified centre stone; 2.21 ct, E colour, VVS1 clarity, estimated; weight of side stones; 0.60 ct each 22,000 – 25,000  UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD

    DIAMOND AND SAPPHIRE PANEL BRACELET, c. 1915 (20,000-22,000).

    DIAMOND AND SAPPHIRE PANEL BRACELET, c. 1915 (20,000-22,000).  UPDATE: THIS MADE 26,000

    Posted in AUCTIONS | Comments Off on JEWELLERY AT O’REILLYS, FRANCIS ST.

    PORTRAITS OF THE EARLS OF BARRYMORE AT SOTHEBYS

    September 21st, 2013
    Portrait of Lieutenant-General James Barry, 4th Earl of Barrymore (1667-1748) from the studio of Sir Godfrey Kneller.

    Portrait of Lieutenant-General James Barry, 4th Earl of Barrymore (1667-1748) from the studio of Sir Godfrey Kneller.  UPDATE: THIS MADE £60,000

    Historic and unseen portraits of the Barry family of Fota House near Cork city, now run by the Irish Heritage Trust, come up at Sotheby’s in London on September 24.  Lots 94 to 102 at Sotheby’s Collections sale are listed as “Property of the Descendants of the Earls of Barrymore, previously at Fota house, Cork”.  The most expensively estimated, at £20,000-30,000, is a portrait of Lieutenant-General James Barry, 4th Earl of Barrymore (1667-1748) from the studio of Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646-1723).  A portrait of Lady Anne Chichester, Countess of Barrymore who died in 1753 by the Cloyne born artist Philip Hussey (1713-1783) is estimated at £12,000-18,000 sterling.

    A mid-17th century Dutch marquetry cabinet on stand originally at Fota House is estimated at £7,000-10,000.

    A mid-17th century Dutch marquetry cabinet on stand originally at Fota House is estimated at £7,000-10,000  UPDATE: THIS MADE £35,000

    A painting by Francis Sartorius (1734-1804) of James Hugh Smith-Barry’s grey stallion being led by a groom in the park at Marbury is estimated at £10,000-15,000 (UPDATE – IT MADE £28,750)  and a portrait of Lady Lucy Ridgeway, Countess of Donegal, who died in 1732, attributed to the circle of Jonathan Richardson is estimated at £15,000-20,000 (UPDATE – IT MADE £35,000).  In addition to these lots there are portraits attributed to John Lewis (1739-1769) of Dorothy Smith-Barry (1727-1756) and the Hon. Richard Barry R.N. with his spaniel estimated at £5,000-8,000 (LOT SOLD £20,000) and portraits attributed to Thomas Worlidge of Lieutenant-General James Barry and of Elizabeth Barry his wife, with their daughter Lady Penelope Barrymore estimated at £6,000-8,000 (UPDATE: SOLD FOR £20,000). There are also portraits of the Hon. Arthur Barry (6,000-8,000) (SOLD FOR £21,250) and another of a gentleman, thought to be William Stewart, 1st Viscount Mountjoy.

    The only item of furniture among the Fota lots is a mid-17th century Dutch ivory green stained marquetry cabinet on stand which is estimated at £7,000-10,000.  The auction will also feature lots from a private collection at Kilcooley Abbey, Co. Tipperary as well as some Irish silver.

    Portrait of a gentleman probably William Steward, 1st Viscount Mountjoy (1653-1692) attributed to Garret Morphey.

    Portrait of a gentleman probably William Stewart, 1st Viscount Mountjoy (1653-1692) attributed to Garret Morphey.  UPDATE: THIS MADE £23,750

    Portrait of Countess Barrymore attributed to Philip Hussey

    Portrait of Countess Barrymore attributed to Philip Hussey.  UPDATE: THIS MADE £43,750

     

    Posted in ART, AUCTIONS, COLLECTIBLES, FURNITURE | Comments Off on PORTRAITS OF THE EARLS OF BARRYMORE AT SOTHEBYS

    ANTIQUE FURNITURE AND ART AT WOODWARDS

    September 21st, 2013

    There is antique furniture and art on offer at Woodwards auction in Cork on September 25.  Cork furniture includes a c1780 Georgian longcase clock by George Aickin  (3,000-5,000) and a set of six Cork 11-bar chairs estimated at 2,000-3,000.  Much of the antique furniture on offer has estimates that are significantly lower than this. Artists whose work is in the sale include William Crozier, Norman McCaig, Kenneth Webb, Hughie O’Donoghue Terry Frost and the Victorian artist William Turner. A preview of the auction is online.  Here is a small selection.

    Mare and foal by William Eddowes Turner (1820 - 1885) is estimated at 500 - 1,000

    Mare and foal by William Eddowes Turner (1820 – 1885) is estimated at 500 – 1,000

    'Wood at Evening' by William Crozier is estimated at 4,000 - 8,000

    ‘Wood at Evening’ by William Crozier is estimated at 4,000 – 8,000

    A c1780 Georgian longcase clock made in Cork by George Aickin is estimated at 3,000-5,000.

    A c1780 Georgian longcase clock made in Cork by George Aickin is estimated at 3,000-5,000.

    Posted in ART, AUCTIONS, FURNITURE | Comments Off on ANTIQUE FURNITURE AND ART AT WOODWARDS

    THE 48TH IRISH ANTIQUE DEALERS ASSOCIATION FAIR

    September 20th, 2013
    One of two mid 19 century Tekke Bokhara carpets from Oriental rug specialist Peter Linden, ten feet by six feet and priced at 12,000 each.

    One of two mid 19 century Tekke Bokhara carpets from Oriental rug specialist Peter Linden, ten feet by six feet and priced at 12,000 each.

    A two volume set of Japanese art at Vanessa Parker Rare Books is priced at 5,700.

    A two volume set of Japanese art at Vanessa Parker Rare Books is priced at 5,700.

    The 48th annual Irish Antique Dealers Association (IADA) fair is at the RDS in Dublin from September 26 to September 29.  The fair gives IADA members a chance  to show their finest wares to a national and international audience.  In these recessionary times the emphasis is on quality as dealers believe that the very best pieces are the most likely to hold their value.

    This year’s special guest is Mark Hill, known to viewers of The Antiques Roadshow and host of the  forthcoming BBC series Collectaholics. Mark will give a lecture on his favourite things – what he calls  fat lava – the West German ceramics of the 1960s & 1970s and will also be in conversation with IADA President George Stacpoole discussing antiques today, a fluctuating but stable market and the  never ending thrill of collecting.
    The annual lecture series returns with subjects ranging from Dublin Castle’s interiors to early colour plate

    photography and looking at the most famous Art Deco furniture designers.

    Posted in FAIRS | Comments Off on THE 48TH IRISH ANTIQUE DEALERS ASSOCIATION FAIR

    NORMAN ROCKWELL MASTERPIECE AT SOTHEBY’S

    September 19th, 2013

    Norman Rockwell’s masterpiece is among a selection of his genre paintings of American life to feature at Sotheby’s sale of American art in New York on December 4. The seven works are led by two icons of Rockwell’s extensive oeuvre –  Saying Grace ($15/20 million), voted as their favorite cover by readers of the Saturday Evening Post in 1955 –   and The Gossips ($6/9 million) as well as Walking to Church ($3/5 million) and a color study for Breaking Home Ties ($200/300,000), the final version of which set the artist’s current auction record when it sold at Sotheby’s New York in 2006 for $15.4 million. The paintings come from the descendants of Kenneth J. Stuart Sr., the artist’s longtime friend and art editor at the Saturday Evening Post and are estimated to acheive more than $24 million.

    Elizabeth Goldberg, Head of Sotheby’s American Art department, commented: “To offer any one of these masterworks would be a great privilege. To present two of Norman Rockwell’s most iconic works in one auction truly is unprecedented. Kenneth J. Stuart Sr., who was both a gifted art editor and close friend, led Rockwell to produce what are arguably the greatest works of his career. The men were at their best when collaborating, which clearly is evident in this collection. Rockwell’s vision of American life has become so influential that many of his scenes feel deeply familiar, but when experienced in person these paintings illicit an emotional response that is far more powerful than anticipated.”

    Rockwell created his first cover for the Saturday Evening Post in 1916 and, over the course of the next several decades, rose to become the publication’s most popular and successful illustrator. By the mid-1940s, Rockwell had honed his aesthetic and technique: by adopting a more sophisticated subject matter and compositional design – often accomplished with a series of photographs that he meticulously arranged – Rockwell began to craft the nostalgic and humorous vision of American life for which he is known today.  He created 322 covers for the post and the three illustrated here were particularly popular.

    Norman Rockwell Saying Grace signed Norman Rockwell oil on canvas. Painted in 1951.

    Norman Rockwell Saying Grace signed Norman Rockwell oil on canvas. Painted in 1951.  UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR A RECORD $46,085000

    Norman Rockwell The Gossips signed Norman Rockwell oil on canvas. Painted in 1948.

    Norman Rockwell The Gossips signed Norman Rockwell oil on canvas. Painted in 1948.  UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR $8,453,000

    Walking to Church signed Norman Rockwell (lower left) oil on canvas Painted in 1953.

    Walking to Church
    signed Norman Rockwell (lower left) oil on canvas
    Painted in 1953.  UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR $3,245,000

    Posted in ART, AUCTIONS | Comments Off on NORMAN ROCKWELL MASTERPIECE AT SOTHEBY’S

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