Fitzwilliam Square sale draws crowds

Adam’s sold most of the lots in Kevin and Rose Kelly’s art and antiques collection at a packed auction this week

LAST Tuesday, while the financial markets fretted over the ongoing possibility of a Greek default, Christie's in London sold three paintings by Picasso for a combined total of £42 million (€47 million). The pictures were among the highlights in an auction of Impressionist and Modern Artwhich made €140 million (€158m).

On the same day, crowds flocked to the auction of the Kelly Collection at Adam’s on St Stephen’s Green in Dublin where the contents of 24 Fitzwilliam Square – home of publisher Kevin Kelly and his wife Rose – went under the hammer. The collection included art and antiques collected by the pair over the past 40 years.

By mid-morning, the first-floor saleroom was packed and staff brought in extra seating while an overflow crowd followed proceedings on screens in the lobby downstairs. Among them: a man wearing Bertie Wooster-type spats – a rare sight in 21st century Dublin and an antique item in their own right; another who whispered conspiratorially “there’s loads of money around”.

An absence of buyers from the UK antiques trade may be the reason why some of the more expensive items failed to sell – most notably a pair of French Louis XV giltwood Marquise armchairs, estimated at €40,000-€50,000.

However, of the 600 lots on offer, most – 87 per cent – sold, for a total of €510,000 (estimate €700,000). Adam’s said the majority of buyers were domestic Irish although some lots were sold to telephone bidders in the United States.

The top price, €17,000, was achieved for a pair of French lamps, once owned by the British Rail Pension Fund, and estimated at €10,000-€15,000. The runner-up, at €16,500 (estimate €7,000-€10,000) was also French – a pair of Louis XVI armchairs which were originally purchased from McDonnell Antiques of Kildare Street.

A George III globe, set in a mahogany stand, which had attracted much interest during viewing days, made €16,000 (estimate €10,000-€15,000).

The oldest item in the sale was an ancient Greek ‘krater’ (a vase used to mix wine and water) dating from the 5th century BC and decorated with images from Greek mythology including Seilenos, the drunken follower of the wine-god Dionysus. The 15in-high vase quadrupled its highest estimate and sold for €12,000.

A pair of Kingcome pink-upholstered sofas, which had been tested for comfort by many of those who attended the viewing last weekend, sold for €4,400 (estimate €2,000-€3,000).

A 19th Century French mantel clock, inscribed Balthazar á Paris, was estimated at just €300-€500 but, after lively bidding, sold for €3,200. A stool upholstered in Persian-style carpet, bought from Nicky Haslam in London, made €4,400 (€1,000-€1,500). An Edwardian silver and yellow enamel six-piece dressing-table set sold for €600 (€400-€600).

A painting, Still Life With China Vase and Flowers, by Grace Henry made €4,200 (€3,000-€4,000). A George III-style, 12-light glass chandelier made €3,000 (€2,000-€3,000 while a pair of 19th century Irish cut-glass water jugs made €1,200 (€800-€1,200).

There was strong interest in the items of designer clothes, shoes and accessories. A blonde swing mink coat by Barnardos furriers, Dublin made €2,200 (€400-€600); a collection of five silk men’s ties by Hèrmes, €240 (€150-€250); and a pair of black satin, high-heeled, size 37.5 shoes by Christian Dior, €140 (€50-€100). A collection of women’s Charvet shirts was withdrawn.

Among a selection of Louis Vuitton luggage and handbags, a large vintage suitcase made €2,400 (€500-€800); a leather hold-all travel bag made €2,000 (€200-€400) and a clutch bag, €440 (€200-€300). Adam’s said the Kellys were very pleased and are now considering how to dispose of the unsold lots.