IN A FURTHER boost to the Irish art market, London-based Bonhams - one of the world's largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques - has announced the opening of a representative office in Dublin.
It has signed a deal to rent the ground and first floors of a Georgian townhouse at 31 Molesworth Street. The address is close to international rival Sotheby's Irish office on the same street.
The company, founded in 1793, has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 27 countries on five continents offering sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. The intention is to offer Irish vendors access to the international art market.
Bonhams agent in Ireland, Jane Beattie, said the office, which is undergoing refurbishment, would "provide a wonderful space in which to receive clients and exhibit works of art" and the company would be offering a range of valuation services as well as sourcing works of art and antiques for sale in London, Edinburgh, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Sydney and other locations.
The Dublin office is expected to open at the end of next month. Bonhams will hold an auction of Irish art in London in May.
- MP
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