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  • Posts Tagged ‘dublin’

    THE KIND OF IRISH FURNITURE THAT COSTS A LOT OF MONEY

    Saturday, October 8th, 2022
     Irish architectural giltwood mirror attributed to John and Francis Booker. UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD

    Some fine examples of the kind of antique Irish furniture that remains much sought after and achieves high prices will come up at the James Adam Country House Collections sale at Townley Hall, Drogheda on October 17 and 18. Leading the auction is an Irish architectural carved giltwood mirror attributed to John and Francis Booker. This one, made c1760, has an arched plate with scrolled cresting and a triangular pediment supported on corbels embellished with leaves.  There is an attractive border of interlocking chains within an egg and dart frame.  A Booker mirror is indeed a trophy piece and the estimate here is €30,000-€40,000.

    A c1750 Irish mahogany side table with a white marble top, central carved scallop shell on cabriole legs with faceted, collared feet is estimated at €25,000-€30,000.  Other prime Irish lots among a large furniture selection are a fine c1740 Irish mahogany secretaire chest on chest (€15,000-€20,000), a late 19th century George II style side table by Hicks of Dublin (€10,000-€15,000) and an Irish yew wood library table by Arthur Jones and Co., Dublin (€10,000-€15,000).  Made for the 1851 Great Exhibition at Crystal Palace in London this table is a real conversation piece. Adams say (and I disagree) that it is one of only four known survivors of an 18 piece suite, the others being a teapoy (sold at Adams in 2014), a wine cooler bequeathed to the National Trust of Australia by Samuel Henry Ervin, now in Sydney and a card table in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

    Irish yew wood side table by Arthur Jones and Co. Dublin. UPDATE: THIS MADE 11,000 AT HAMMER

    The reason for doubt is a carved bog yew armchair carved to illustrate the history, antiquities, animals and vegetation of Ireland that I spotted at the  Masterpiece Fair in London in early July.  This too was made by Arthur Jones and Co. for the Great Exhibition. Perhaps it was a one off and not part of the suite and Adams is indeed correct, but it is enough to make me wonder.  Butchoff Antiques had worked hard on this fabulous throne chair since acquiring it at an auction in Ayr in December 2020.  They paid £44,000 at hammer, over a top estimate of £3,000, had it re-polished and painstakingly re-covered.  At  Masterpiece it was  labelled a highlight by the vetting committee and priced at £150,000.

    Social historians will find interest in a half length portrait by Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646-1723) of Lady Mary Boyle nursing her son Charles.  It would have been unusual for a woman in the upper echelons of 17th century society to breastfeed her own children. A wet nurse would have normally been employed. Wife of Lt. Col. Henry Boyle of Castlemartyr and daughter of the Ist Earl of Inchiquin Lady Mary is featured with her third son Charles. At a time of high infant mortality he survived into adulthood and pursued a career in the Navy. The portrait is estimated at €20,000-€30,000. Viewing at Townley Hall gets underway next Saturday (October 15) and continues on Sunday week and Monday week.  Day one of the auction on October 17 is a timed online only sale with lots 1-281.  The live auction at St. Stephen’s Green on October 18 features lots 300-822.  The catalogue is online now.

    Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646-1723) – Portrait of Lady Mary  Boyle nursing her son Charles. UPDATE: THIS MADE 34,000 AT HAMMER

    GOLD AND DIAMOND JEWELLERY AT O’REILLY’S OF FRANCIS ST., DUBLIN

    Friday, October 14th, 2011

    THE auction at O’Reilly’s, Francis St., Dublin on October 19  features gold and diamond jewellery, Victorian jewellery including Albert chains  and curb link bracelets, Ard Deco pieces, watches by Rolex, Cartier and Tag Heuer, gold sovereigns, antique silverware and paintings. The catalogue is on-line.
    Here is a small selection (you can click on any image to enlarge it):

    A diamond and pick sapphire cluster ring (650-750) UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR 820

    A diamond and aquamarine cluster ring (1,800 - 2,200) UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD

    A diamond solitaire (9,000 - 12,000) UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD.

    A diamond dress ring (7,500 - 8,500) UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR 7,500

    Two silver bars (600 - 800) UPDATE: THESE MADE 700

    A George III Irish silver helmet shaped sauce boat by Mathew West, Dublin 1791 (600 - 800) UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR 600.

    HISTORY, LITERATURE AND COLLECTIBLES AT WHYTE’S IN DUBLIN

    Wednesday, September 14th, 2011

    More than 700 lots will come under the hammer at Whyte’s History, Literature and Collectibles sale in Dublin on September 24. There are historic artefacts, manuscripts, rare books, posters, militaria and sports memorabilia.  Among the more unusual items is an Irish round tower made with matchsticks by Martin McGuinness, now Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, when he was a Republican prisoner at Portlaoise in 1974.

    There are copies of The Hostage (300-400) and The Borstal Boy (1,200-1,500) signed and inscribed by Brendan Behan and more than 140 lots of Irish coins and banknotes.

    The entire catalogue is on-line.  Here is a sample of what is on offer:

    A 1914 All Ireland football final Kerry v Wexford programme. The match was a draw, Kerry won the replay. The referee was Harry Boland, subsequently killed in the Irish Civil War. (1,000-1,500). Click to enlarge. UPDATE: THIS MADE 1,500

    1794: John Rocque map of the Kingdom of Ireland (estimate 500-700). (Click on image to enlarge). UPDATE: THIS MADE 800

    An Irish round tower made by Martin McGuinness, now Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, while a prisoner in Portlaoise in 1974. On a wooden base inscribed "To Fr. Jimmy from Martin Portlaoise Jail 1974". Martin McGuinness spent time in Portlaoise Prison after he was convicted of being a member of the I.R.A. in February 1974 by the Special Criminal Court in Dublin. It is estimated at 1,000-1,500. UPDATE: MARTIN MCGUINNESS IS NOW A CANDIDATE IN THE IRISH PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION WHICH WILL BE HELD ON OCTOBER 27. UPDATE 2: This made 6,200.

     

    VARIETY OF LOTS AT ADAMS IN DUBLIN ON JULY 12

    Monday, July 4th, 2011

    An interiors and collectibles sale at James Adam in Dublin on July 12 will feature more than 650 varied lots.  There is furniture, silver, books of Irish historical interest,  arms, medals, militaria,  art, glass and toys.  The entire catalogue is on-line at www.adams.ie

    Here is a small selection from the catalogue:

    A large George IV giltwood girandole convex mirror is estimated at 6,000-10,000. UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD

    Sir Frederic William Burton RHA, Portrait of Mary Florence Vanderbyl, dated August 5, 1870 (2,000-4,000) UPDATE: THIS MADE 3,200

    This William IV rosewood breakfast table is estimated at 2,000-3,000. UPDATE: THIS MADE 2,000

    A Victorian display cabinet with a large collection of stuffed birds and butterflies estimated at 800-1,200. UPDATE: THIS MADE 1,300

    An Edwardian painted and inlaid occasional table estimated at 400-600. UPDATE: THIS MADE 450

    This c1800 Irish sideboard is estimated at 2,000-3,000. UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD

    CONTENTS FROM THE KELLY COLLECTION AT 24 FITZWILLIAM SQUARE, DUBLIN

    Thursday, June 23rd, 2011

    The James Adam auction of the Kelly Collection brought in over half a million euro on June 21.  The sale of contents from the elegant interior of a stately Georgian home at 24 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin, attracted large numbers of buyers.  There was some disappointment when the top lots failed to sell in these recessionary times but buyers were out in force for some of the less expensively estimated lots. The contents were on view at Fitzwilliam Square, the sale took place at the James Adam salesroom on St. Stephen’s Green.

    There were posts about the sale on antiquesandartireland.com on June 7 and June 17.  Here is a selection of some lots which were sold, (click on any image to enlarge it):

    This George III breakfront sideboard, possibly Irish, made 4,600.

    One of a pair of Louis XVI painted fauteuils, attributed to G.W. Gourdin and upholstered in blue silk, which made 16,500.

    A LATE 18th CENTURY FRENCH FRUITWOOD SECRETAIRE À ABBATANT made 2,600.

    A George III inlaid serpentine serving table made 4,000.

    A pair of French ormolu cylindrical hall lanters in the Louis XVI style made 7,000.

    One of a set of four Regency dining chairs which sold for 1,500.

    A George III fruitwood chest sold for 2,800.

    A Georgian style chandelier made 3,400.

    This George III Pembroke table made 2,600.

    One of a pair of Napoleon III giltwood console tables in the Louis XV style which made 6,000.

    SUPERIOR DUBLIN INTERIOR UNDER THE HAMMER AT ADAMS

    Friday, June 17th, 2011

    IN Dublin James Adam will auction the contents of the superior interior of 24 Fitzwilliam Square on Tuesday, June 21 at 11 a.m.  The sale takes place at the James Adam Salerooms on St. Stephen’s Green. It is on view on Saturday, Sunday and Monday at nearby Fitzwilliam Square.

    See antiquesandartireland.com post for June 7.

    UPDATE: Trade buyers were in short supply in a sale which brought in a hammer price of 510,000 against a lower estimate of 700,000.  The most expensive pieces were left unsold, which seems to be a developing trend of the moment in major international antique furniture events. There were some remarkable prices for the less expensively estimated pieces.

    Here is a selection of some of the lots on offer:

    This Directoire games table, purchased from Galerie Saint-Germain, Monte Carlo, 1995, is estimated at 2,000-4,000. Update: this was unsold.

    An Irish George III brass bound mahogany plate bucket is estimated at 800-1,200. UPDATE: THIS MADE 1,600.

    A George III terrestrial globe by W & T.M. Bardin, London, estimate 10,000-15,000. UPDATE: THIS MADE 16,000.

    Sir Godfrey Kneller (German, 1646-1723), Portrait of a Young Lady estimated at 25,000-35,000. UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD.

    A Lyon and silk damask double bed, headboard and canopy estimated at 3,000-5,000. UPDATE: THIS MADE 3,000.

    A Louis XV ormolu mounted kingwood and amaranth commode with rouge marble top is estimated at 1,500-2,000. UPDATE: This made 2,100.

    CONTRASTING STYLES AT ADAMS IRISH ART SALE

    Friday, May 20th, 2011

    Jack B. Yeats RHA (1871-1957) The Westering Sun ( 1950 ) at Adams on June 1. The estimate is 80,000-120,000. (Click to enlarge) UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR 135,000

    Patrick Collins HRHA (1910-1984) Landscape with Flying Bird (1973) at Adams. The estimate is 25,000-35,000. (Click on image to enlarge) UPDATE: THIS WAS UNSOLD

    CONTRASTING styles of Irish art are illustrated in these images from the James Adam evening sale in Dublin on June 1. A total of 155 carefully chosen lots will be offered in this summer auction of Important Irish Art.

    The range and style of work on offer is considerable.  This is a sale with something to suit all tastes.  The venue for the auction is the Adam Salesroom at St. Stephen’s Green in Dublin.

    UPDATE:  The sale brought in 1.1 million.  More than 70 per cent of lots on offer found buyers.

    William Scott OBE RA (1913-1989) Cup and Pan Blues Silkscreen print estimated at 6,000-8,000 at Adams. (Click on image to enlarge) UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR 7,500

    Erskine Nicol ARA RSA (1825-1904) Insolvent (1862) Exhibited: The Royal Academy London 1863 estimated at 15,000-20,000. (Click on image to enlarge) UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR 36,000

    ANTIQUE AND MODERN JEWELLERY AT O’REILLY’S, DUBLIN

    Thursday, May 19th, 2011
    Antique and modern jewellery comes up at O’Reilly’s sale at Francis St., Dublin on May 25.  There are diamond solitaires, Art Deco diamond target rings, a large amethyst and diamond pendant, retro gold jewellery, a sapphire and diamond cluster pendant, a diamond necklace, bracelets and earrings.
    The 415 lot sale features some antique silver as well as paintings and collectables.
    UPDATE: This was a good sale, aided by strong global prices for gold and silver.  In the current market those with money to spend expect exceptional value.  The focus is on what an individual piece is worth.
    An antique three stone diamond ring made 12,800,  a 2.40 carat diamond solitaire ring sold for 12,600, a two carat oval diamond solitaire made  9,200, a diamond line bracelet sold for 6,000 as did a 1.09 carat diamond solitaire and an emerald and diamond line bracelet made 4,800.

    A PAIR OF OPAL AND DIAMOND CLUSTER EARRINGS (2,800-3,200). Click on image to enlarge. UPDATE: THESE SOLD FOR 3,000

    AN ANTIQUE DIAMOND AND BLUE ENAMEL CLUSTER RING, set to the centre with a diamond monogramme and crown, (3,000-4,000). Click on image to enlarge. UPDATE: THIS MADE 3,900

    AN EDWARDIAN DIAMOND TARGET RING, C. 1910 (14,000-15,000). Click to enlarge. UPDATE: This changed hands after the auction for 13,900

    AN EDWARDIAN DIAMOND PLAQUE BROOCH (4,500-5,000). Click on image to enlarge. UPDATE: This made 4,500

    ANTIQUE IRISH JEWELLERY AND SILVER AT O’REILLY’S APRIL SALE

    Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

    A mid 20th century diamond ring, the old cut diamond set within a diamond set mount. Estimated; weight of diamond; 6.54 carat, colour and clarity; tinted, VS - SI, estimate 35,000 - 38,000 UPDATE: IT REMAINED UNSOLD

    A tanzanite and diamond dress ring, estimated at 600-700. UPDATE: THIS MADE 800

    An antique diamond set target ring, Estimated; weight of diamond; 3.50 carat, colour and clarity; K, VS, estimate 18,000 - 20,000 UPDATE: THIS MADE 17,000

    An Irish silver Victorian Armada jug, possibly by John Scriber, Dublin 1870, estimated at 3000 - 3500 UPDATE: THIS MADE 3,200

    Some lots from O’Reilly’s sale of jewellery, watches, antique gold, silver and paintings at Francis St., Dublin on Wednesday, April 20 at 1 p.m.

    The catalogue, which is on-line, lists 347 lots in total.

    CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO ENLARGE IT.

    ATTIC SALE AT JAMES ADAM ON FEBRUARY 16

    Wednesday, February 9th, 2011

    This 19th century cut glass celery vase is estimated at 100-150. (click to enlarge) UPDATE: IT MADE 120

    This 19th century Berlin porcelain urn of amphora form is estimated at 100-200. (click to enlarge) IT MADE 160

    In Dublin James Adam will hold a clearance auction, billed as an Attic Sale, on Wednesday, February 16 at 11 a.m.  As the name suggests, this is a mixed bag sale with around 600 lots, most with low estimates.  Here is a small sample.

    UPDATE: IT WAS A SUCCESSFUL SALE WHICH ATTRACTED GOOD NUMBER OF VIEWERS.  AROUND 90 PER CENT OF THE LOTS ON OFFER FOUND BUYERS.

    This Edwardian display cabinet in the chinoiserie style is estimated at 400-600. (click on image to enlarge) IT SOLD FOR 500

    An Art Nouveau brass fender and a pierced fender, estimated at 200-300. (click to enlarge) THESE MADE 650