Latest news with #antiques
Irish Times
4 hours ago
- General
- Irish Times
Peruse a lifetime's worth of art and antiques in the Dún Laoghaire home of their collector
House content auctions are rarer now than in the past, when viewing the interior of a discreet deceased neighbour's lavish home was a weekend hobby for many people. Nowadays, most houses are emptied of their furniture, precious paintings and various collectibles, and these items are put up for sale in auction rooms with a mélange of pieces from other homes. Not so in the case of 6 Royal Terrace West, Dún Laoghaire. The contents of the property will be on view in the house, July 12th-14th, 10am-5pm each day, in advance of the auction in Sheppard's auction rooms in Durrow, Co Laois on July 15th and 16th. Royal Terrace, one of the architectural gems of south Dublin, was built as two facing terraces on opposite sides of a four-acre park in 1860. The two-storey over basement homes were part of the expansion of Dún Laoghaire following the opening of the Dublin-Kingstown railway line in 1834 and the completion of the harbour in the 1840s. READ MORE 6 Royal Terrace West, Dún Laoghaire Front hall of 6 Royal Terrace West, Dun Laoghaire Until recently, number 6 was owned by Philip and Constance Murphy. Originally from west Cork, Philip was the youngest of six children of TJ Murphy, Labour Party TD and minister for local government in 1948-1949. Philip Murphy, who died in September 2024, was a solicitor and an avid collector of antiques. The house, which was put on the market by Savills with a guide price of €1,400,000 earlier this year, is currently sale agreed. Both Philip and Constance, who predeceased him, were active member of the Royal Terrace West Residents' Association. 'The terrace wouldn't be intact today if it wasn't for the work of Philip Murphy,' says a neighbour, Breasal O'Caollai. As well as campaigning against any development that would destroy the integrity of these Victorian homes, Murphy also led the campaign to bring the park back into public ownership. 'He was the custodian of the square since they moved there in the 1960s. He was concerned about maintaining the architectural heritage of the area and he persuaded the county council to buy back the land in the 1980s from Monkstown Hockey Club,' says his niece, Hilary Walsh. The Royal Terrace park, which has been planted with trees and laid out with paths and green spaces, is now popular among locals and visitors alike. The Murphy's Victorian terraced house has many original features, which are complemented with antique furniture, clocks, art and carefully chosen ornamental pieces. 'I can remember visiting the house, seeing all the clocks wound up, smelling the furniture polish and everything just so pristine,' says Walsh. And so, this house content auction offers members of the public a rare opportunity to see a lifetime's collection of antique furniture, oriental art and ornaments (including Chinese snuff bottles), several antique clocks and mirrors, silver and wooden boxes, in an almost museum like setting. 'Each item offers insight into a life lived with genuine engagement and appreciation for the decorative and historic arts,' says Michael Sheppard, who has been cataloguing the items over the past few weeks. A rare 19th-century French automaton bird clock under a glass dome (€5,000-€8,000) One of the more unusual items for sale is a rare 19th-century French automaton bird clock under a glass dome (€5,000-€8,000). It features a rotating tree with multiple taxidermy hummingbirds and other exotic birds perched among naturalistic silk flowers. The mechanism causes the birds to rotate in synchrony with the passage of time. Also of note is a mid-20th century hand-knotted Donegal wool carpet (€5,000-€8,000). This piece was inspired by the designs of Charles Francis Annesley Voysey, the English architect and designer renowned for his Arts and Crafts style wallpapers, fabrics and furniture – some of which can be seen in London's Victoria and Albert Museum. Antique furniture enthusiasts may also be drawn to a Victorian Wellington mahogany chest (€400-€600). Named after the 1st Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley – who led the British armies to victory at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 against Napoleon – the chest is tall and narrow with a single key locking all seven small drawers. This offers a perfectly secure, compact and portable storage for someone frequently on the move. Meanwhile, Whyte's Summer Online auction, which ends on Monday from 6pm, offers collectors a snapshot of 20th-century Irish artists, as well as affordable prints of works by Paul Henry and Jack Butler Yeats, among others. Frescati House in Blackrock, Co Dublin, by Peter Pearson Take, for example, the painting of Frescati House in Blackrock, Co Dublin, by artist and architectural historian, Peter Pearson. Painted in 1982, a year before the Georgian house was demolished, the painting is a reminder of its loss. Originally built in 1739 for the family of John Hely Hutchinson, then provost of Trinity College Dublin, Frescati House was later owned by the Fitzgeralds, who also owned Leinster House in Dublin and Carton House in Co Kildare. The Fitzgeralds named the house Frescati, a deliberate derivative of the Italian city of Frascati – a name which was revived for the Blackrock shopping centre, built on the land of the demolished mansion. A watercolour and pencil drawing of St Peter's Church in Drogheda, Co Louth by Thomas Ryan (€300-€500) September Morning, Castle Archdale, Co Fermanagh by Colin Middleton (€1,200-€1,500) A watercolour of the Museum Building in Trinity College Dublin by Eve Lyn Hope (€500-€700) Baked Beans Boy (€300-€500), the Self-Portrait by Paul Hewson (Bono) Among the lots at Whyte's auction are some interesting watercolours. These include a watercolour and pencil drawing of St Peter's Church in Drogheda, Co Louth by Thomas Ryan (€300-€500); a watercolour of the Museum Building in Trinity College Dublin by Eve Lyn Hope (€500-€700); and September Morning, Castle Archdale, Co Fermanagh by Colin Middleton (€1,200-€1,500). The Self-Portrait by Paul Hewson (Bono), entitled, Baked Beans Boy (€300-€500), is also sure to draw some interest. ; What did it sell for? Crossing the City by Jack B Yeats Crossing the City by Jack B Yeats Estimate £100,000-£150,000 Hammer price Unsold Auction house Bonham's Christian Dior flower brooch Christian Dior flower brooch Estimate €80-€100 Hammer price €200 Auction house Adam's 18-carat gold small mesh bag 18-carat gold small mesh bag Estimate €2,000-€3,000 Hammer price €2,400 Auction house Adam's Wicklow Early Morning by Sean McSweeney Wicklow Early Morning by Sean McSweeney Estimate €500-€700 Hammer price €500 Auction house Morgan O'Driscoll
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Antiques Roadshow guest's jaw drops in shock as she learns eye-watering value of 'exquisite' watch - despite swipe from BBC expert
An Antiques Roadshow guest's jaw dropped in shock as she learnt the eye-watering value of her 'exquisite' watch - despite a swipe from a BBC expert. A recently repeated 2004 episode of the BBC show, which sees specialist appraisers value heirlooms and heritage items, went to Hampton Court Palace in London. Expert Richard Price met with a woman who had brought in a gorgeous Swiss ball watch she had inherited after a 'very dear friend' passed away. She explained their relationship: 'I actually used to work for her and her husband was a buyer at one time in Harrods, a jewellery buyer for Harrods.' The antiques specialist asked if her friend wore it often, to which she replied: 'Yes, she used to wear it nearly every day on her suit lapel.' Richard was touched - and impressed: 'That's a lovely story and I'll tell you something, it is in absolutely exquisite condition. 'There's not a chip out of that enamel anywhere.' He tried out the mechanism, winding the unusual spherical watch using the bezel and testing the clock hands, before saying it 'does everything it should do'. The antiques expert showed off its inner workings to the camera, dubbing the delicate metal work 'absolutely typically Swiss'. 'It is an exquisite thing. Wonderful quality', he exclaimed. But it was not an entirely positive assessment, as the expert took a swipe at the watch's bezel: 'But there's just one thing I'm not entirely happy with. 'The little rose diamonds around the bezel of this watch just don't have quite the same style and class, if I can use that word, of these brilliant cut ones here.' He asked, as the guest nodded in agreement: 'Do you see how that's just a little bit nicer than the watch itself?' Richard also had a problem with the chain used to hang the watch: 'I'm not sure that the pendant actually went on with the watch when new.' But it was not an entirely positive assessment, as the expert took a swipe at the watch's bezel: 'But there's just one thing I'm not entirely happy with' 'The little rose diamonds around the bezel of this watch [left] just don't have quite the same style and class, if I can use that word, of these brilliant cut ones here [right]' But the appraiser was willing to move past that: 'The colours are so good that it doesn't really matter. 'It blends extremely well because this is an unusual quality of enamel and it's an unusual colour because you've got the dark reds and you've got these lovely almost coral-y petals.' The guest was not sure what period the watch was from - but Richard used his expertise to identify it: 'Well, these flowers, the petals, leaves, the enamel, it's very sort of art nouveau in style, isn't it?' 'And just looking at the general shape and size of the piece, I'm quite happy to say it's about 1905 to 1910.' Then came the moment the guest had been waiting for - the valuation. Richard said: 'Well, you're never going to replace it because you'll never need to. 'But if you went to look for one, I think that's going to cost you an absolute minimum of £6,000 to £7,000.' The guest was absolutely amazed, with her jaw dropping in shock: 'Oh goodness! Oh goodness me! Thank you, that's wonderful.' Richard said, laughing: 'Next time somebody takes you out for a lovely dinner, pop it on.' The woman chuckled, looking towards her partner off camera: 'I'll tell him!' It comes after an Antiques Roadshow guest was left wide-eyed as an expert gasped 'I need time to come down from this' in response to the 'trickiest item she's ever had to value'. A repeat episode of the BBC show went to Belton House near the town of Grantham, Lincolnshire. Expert Hilary Kay met with a woman who had brought in a unique item - the funeral standard of 17th-century English statesman Oliver Cromwell. He led parliamentary forces in the English Civil Wars in the mid-1600s against King Charles I, helping to overthrow him before his execution in 1649. The soldier and politician then led the Commonwealth of England that was quickly established, serving as Lord Protector from 1653 until his death in 1658. Hilary began the segment: 'Sheltering from a passing shower and sheltering with an object which is, I feel, almost radioactive with power. 'It's a very interesting phenomenon to be this close to something that is really quite important.' The woman explained how such an incredible object came into her possession: 'It was in a collection about seven years ago. My father actually bought the collection of militaria. 'We now own it as a family. It's actually kept in one of our spare rooms and as you say, it's one of those objects that make you tingle.' With anticipation built up, about an item with such historical value, the valuation could not come sooner - and it did not disappoint. Hilary said: 'This is about the trickiest thing I've ever had to value. 'It is certain to fetch £25,000 but how much more would it go for?' The wide-eyed guest was rendered absolutely speechless, with Hilary saying: 'It's going to take me a little while to come down from this. 'It'll take a couple of bars of chocolate and a cup of tea but this has been a really special moment with a really extraordinary object, don't you agree?'
BBC News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Antiques Roadshow's Bunny auctions off rabbit collection in Newbury
Antiques Roadshow expert Bunny Campione returned to the rostrum for the first time in decades to start the sale of her prized rabbit collection, which sold for about £24, sale at Special Auction Services in Newbury, Berkshire, included a rare 1906 Steiff wool plush Peter Rabbit, which sold for £7, was gifted to Campione after it was found in a bin in Athens, Greece, and had been expected to fetch between £4,000 and £6, said she "thoroughly enjoyed" selling off some of the items and was "thrilled with all the results". The wool plush was sold to a UK-based private collector. Other highlights included Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, produced by Dean's Rag Book Co., which was sold for £3, was bought by a Singapore-based collector, who was not put off by minor damage that was caused by Campione's pet rabbit. "I was absolutely delighted to have started the auction off – and although things have changed rather a lot since I was last on the rostrum, I thoroughly enjoyed myself," she said."I was thrilled with all the results, particularly my favourite Peter Rabbit, and amazed that the bids were from as far away as Singapore and the United States."Daniel Agnew, Special Auction Services' toy, doll and teddy bear expert, said the auction was "the most fun I have had in an auction for years".He added: "Bunny taking the first part of her lots was highly entertaining. We achieved some amazing prices and it was a pleasure to find homes for her collection." You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Antiques Roadshow's Bunny selling rabbit collection in Newbury
A rabbit collection belonging to Antiques Roadshow expert Bunny Campione is set to go under the hammer. Her collection - being auctioned in Newbury, Berkshire - comprises 50 lots of rabbits dating from the late 19th Century to the 1950s and includes soft toys and some others made from who has appeared on the BBC's antiques show since the 1980s, said the rabbits had given her "so much joy" but that she wants to give them "happy new homes".The lots include a rare 1906 Steiff wool plush Peter Rabbit, which was found in a bin in Athens, Greece, and later given to Campione as a gift. It is expected to sell for between £4,000 and £6,000. It is thought Peter Rabbit's creator Beatrix Potter did not like Steiff's version and did not approve of it - but it is one of Campione's favourites."Collecting the rabbits has given me so much joy, but I feel that the time is right to part with them and my wish is for them to have happy new homes," she said. Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, by Dean's Rag Book Co., was fortunate when Bunny's pet rabbit got jealous and bit his foot but left only minor damage. Oswald is expected to be sold for between £400 and £ Agnew, Special Auction Services' toy, doll and teddy bear expert, said Campione has been an "inspiration" to him."I have always known her charming bunny collection and feel so honoured to find this group of characters homes. What fun to own one of Bunny's bunnies!" he added. You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Forbes
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
2,000 Years Of Jewels To Star At 2025 Treasure House Fair
An unsigned pavé diamond horse head brooch offered by A La Vieille Russie Antique and vintage jewels will be centerstage at the third edition of Treasure House Fair, being held June 26 – July 1 at the Royal Hospital Chelsea South Grounds in London. Exhibitors will include about 10 dealers that will present jewels and gems spanning more than 2,000 years. The Treasure House art, antiques and design fair was established in 2023, following the 2022 closure of Masterpiece London. The fair was founded by Thomas Woodham-Smith and Harry Van der Hoorn, who co-founded Masterpiece London in 2009. This year's fair will host more than 70 dealers and galleries in more than 20 vintage, antique and contemporary collecting categories, such as fine art, furniture, antiquities, watches and classic cars. Visitors can expect to see Hellenic jewels, storied heirlooms, striking Art Deco pieces and innovative contemporary designs. Among the high-profile dealers participating this year are: Jewels with Impeccable Provenance Greens of Cheltenham offerings include two historic jewels linked to British naval commander and national hero, Horatio Nelson. An early 19th century diamond brooch with miniature portrait of Admiral Horatio Nelson from Greens ... More of Cheltenham The first is an early-19th century diamond bow brooch-pendant with a circular portrait miniature of the admiral. The jewel most likely belonged to Nelson's estranged wife Frances, Viscountess Nelson (1758-1831) who Nelson deserted for Emma Hamilton. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder The second is a rare diamond and enamel pendant, similar to other jewels presented by Ottoman Sultan Selim III (1761-1808) to Admiral Nelson and other British naval commanders in gratitude for the Royal Navy's victory over the French at the Battle of the Nile in 1798. A late 16th-century cameo featuring a 9-carat Colombian emerald that depicts Archduke Emest of ... More Austria from Greens of Cheltenham Greens of Cheltenham will also showcase two engraved emeralds: an important Mughal emerald seal made for and bearing the name of Marian Hastings, wife of Warren Hastings, Governor General of India 1773-1785; and a late 16th-century cameo featuring a 9-carat Colombian emerald that depicts Archduke Emest of Austria (1553-1595) with a beard and a large ruff. The venerable London dealer and Fabergé expert, Wartski, will unveil a new discovery: an Imperial clock by Carl Fabergé last publicly seen 123 years ago. It was made in St. Petersburg, (1896-1902) for the Grand Duchess Maria Georgievna, princess of Greece and Denmark, daughter of King George I of Greece and first cousin of Emperor Nicholas II. The enameled clock has not been seen since the exhibition of the Imperial Family's Fabergé collection in St. Petersburg in March 1902. 100 Years of Art Deco Jewelry Sandra Cronan will offer a collection of Art Deco jewels. Highlights include an 'escalator' style green tourmaline and diamond double clip brooch by Cartier New York, circa 1940; and a pair of Mauboussin Tutti Frutti carved emerald, ruby and diamond clips in platinum, made in Paris, circa 1925. Green tourmaline and diamond double clip brooch by Cartier New York, circa 1940, offered by Sandra ... More Cronan A La Vieille Russie will attend Treasure House for the second consecutive year. To mark the occasion, it will present a selection of jewels by legendary designers Paul Flato, Janesich, Drayson and J.E. Caldwell & Co., along with pieces from prestigious historical jewelry houses, including Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and Mauboussin. Standout pieces include a gold, platinum and sapphire bracelet with a zigzag pattern by Paul Flato, circa 1930. A Paul Flato, 1930, sapphire bracelet from A La Vieille Russie In the 1920s and 1930s, many jewelry houses pioneered animal-themed designs. Among the pieces on view at the fair are a diamond and sapphire brooch by Cartier, Paris, from S.J. Phillips, and a 1920s American diamond horse head brooch from A La Vieille Russie, featuring a black enamel bridle, ruby and white enamel headband and an emerald eye. Two Millennia of Gold Jewels The jewels on view at the fair will also trace two millennia of gold jewelry, from an Ancient Greek oak wreath, circa 4th - 3rd century B.C. being offered by Kallos Gallery. Meanwhile, there will be contemporary creations by Scottish goldsmith Andrew Lamb and Japanese artist Kayo Saito that will be presented by art dealer, Adrian Sassoon. 3rd century B.C. ancient Greek oak wreath offered from Kallos Gallery Other highlights include an archaeological style gold necklace, circa 1870, by Robert Phillips, one of the first jewelers in Britain to embrace the archaeological style. Necklace and ring by contemporary jeweler, Andrew Lamb, offered by Adrian Sassoon gallery The fair will also host a non-selling exhibition of historic Bugatti automobiles. Titled, 'The Brilliant Bugattis,' it will be the first exhibition about the Bugatti family in the U.K. since in 1979. Consisting of 30 artworks, designs and cars, it will feature pieces by the family patriarch, Carlo (1856-1940), who was a skilled designer in multiple disciplines. Earrings by contemporary jewelry artist, Kayo Saito, offered by Adrian Sassoon The exhibition will also feature his sons, the animal sculptor Rembrandt (1884-1916), and the car engineer, Ettore (1881-1946); and his grandson, Jean (1909-1939) whose car designs significantly contributed to the fame of the Bugatti name today. This show is being curated by Edward Horswell, an authority on artworks relating to the Bugatti family. It will feature rarely seen pieces loaned by Bugatti collectors.
