A rare piece of early Irish furniture has been donated by benefactor David Boles to the Irish Museum of Time at Greyfriars St. in Waterford. The George I walnut and featherbanded secretaire with sycamore, cedar and marquetry is believed to have been made in Dublin c1725-30 by German asylum seeking John Kirkhoffer. Around this time Ireland benefitted greatly when highly skilled silversmiths, clock and furniture makers from Germany, Holland and France sought refuge here. The cabinet was sold at Bonhams in London last February for £22,950 (€26,847). David Boles remarked: “It will not only rhyme but also chime with history in the company of early 18th century Irish walnut and marquetry longcase clocks already on display”. Since opening just over a year ago Ireland’s first horological museum has attracted visitors from around the globe.
