Cheque books at the ready

Although best known as an actor, dramatist and for co-founding the Gate theatre, Micheál Mac Liammóir was also an illustrator and artist. Three of his rare early pen and ink with gouache paintings, dating to around 1917, will be auctioned for the first time on May 30th by Whyte’s, the Dublin auction house, which describes them as “enchanting and slightly sinister”.

Regarded as highly collectable, Imeall an Domhain(The edge of the world), Centaursand Franncach ag Rith I nDiaid a Bhaireid(French man chasing after his hat, pictured) are also full of Celtic mysticism and pagan imagery and are estimated at around €2,000-€3,000 each.

Also theatre-related are five oils by Séan Keating illustrating scenes from The Playboy for the Western Worldby John Millington Synge. Keating himself makes an appearance as Christy Mahon's father and even poses nude in one painting . They formed part of the artist's own collection and are estimated at €15,000 to €40,000 each. See whytes.ie. EDEL MORGAN