BOG OAK IS the name given to the wood from ancient trees preserved in peat bogs throughout Ireland. When dug up and exposed to air, the wood turns a jet black colour.
During the 19th century, bog oak became fashionable as a material for making wooden jewellery, small decorative items and souvenirs for tourists. The craft received a boost when Queen Victoria admired examples during her visit to Killarney.
Because of its colour, bog oak became fashionable for use in “mourning jewellery” – worn by women throughout Britain and Ireland following the death of the queen’s consort, Prince Albert in 1861.
One of the best-known bog oak craftsmen was Kerryman Cornelius Goggin who set up premises at Nassau Street in Dublin and received a royal warrant – revelling in the title: “Irish Bog Oak Carver To Her Majesty”.
His pieces are today sought after by specialist collectors. One of his best-known works, an ink stand in the shape of an owl, is in the collection of the National Museum of Ireland. A similar piece, with the all-important Goggin label on the base – will go under the hammer at Hegarty auctioneers in Bandon, west Cork tomorrow afternoon at 3pm.
Hegarty believes that the 15-inch high piece was probably made for the Dublin International Industrial Exhibition of 1853 or for an important client. The estimate is €2,000-€4,000.
