Antique shops, auction rooms and salvage yards are often the go-to places for film and theatre set designers seeking out period furniture and decorative pieces for movies and plays set in a particular era. And, although there are now professional prop-hire companies with incredible stocks of historic items, some antique dealers continue to make significant profit from renting out key pieces. Savvy designers cherish their contacts and return items in the condition in which they got them.
Similarly, interior designers kitting out new restaurants, cafes, hotels and bars often pick up good-value pieces at auctions for quirky collections of art or books, standout counters or window displays. Auctions can also be a good hunting ground if you’re looking to create and curate a memorable Airbnb space.
So, a clearance sale of the architectural salvage and design business Wilson’s Yard, in Dromore, Co Down, offers an opportunity for commercial and private collectors, designers and decorators to find remarkable pieces. The online auction takes place on March 18th and 19th.
Geoff and Rosy Wilson began their architectural salvage business more than 40 years ago, when stripped pine floors and restored Victorian fireplaces first became fashionable. As the business grew, the Wilsons began importing items such as an old railway station from Romania, which they dismantled before transportation. Crystal chandeliers from Paris, and oak timber from Amish barns in Pennsylvania in the US were also brought in.
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Geoff Wilson says that over the years, Wilson’s Yard has sold items for use in many stately country houses being converted to hotels. Private clients include the actor Jeremy Irons, who owns a castle in west Cork, and Edward Walsh and Constance Cassidy of Lissadell House in Sligo. Hillsborough Castle in Co Down was one of their local customers.
“But we’ve sold to lots of people, from Drogheda to east Belfast, as well,” says Wilson.
The Victor Mee auction of 1,200 lots includes everything from garden furniture to custom-made pieces made from reclaimed materials. Standout items perfect for film sets include a clock tower (€10,000-€20,000), which is believed to have originated in Spitalfields Market in London, and an Irish Georgian bronze bell (€6,000-€12,000).
Similarly suitable for film sets are the 1935 cast iron red telephone box (€2,000-€4,000) – one of Britain’s cultural icons- designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, and a 1872 mirror made by William W Cleland to promote Castle Bellingham Ales & Stouts (€30,000-€50,000).
With their property on Hillsborough Road, Dromore, now sold, the Wilsons are ready for retirement. “I’ve been the [Lord of the Rings character] Gandalf of salvage yards. I’ve had a good innings. You have to realise when it’s time to hang up your boots and let young people have a go with their new ideas and new energy,” says Wilson.
But it’s not the end for Wilson’s Yard; their staff will continue the architectural salvage business in their other premises on Mossvale Road, Dromore.
Viewing of items for sale in the Victor Mee online auction takes place from Friday, March 13th to Monday, March 16th at Wilson’s Yard, 123 Hillsborough Road, Dromore.
Meanwhile, Mullens in Laurel Park, Bray, Co Wicklow, holds a monthly online auction which also has a dedicated following from designers and individuals renovating period houses. It too is a go-to spot for bargain hunters of period furniture, oriental rugs and much more.
The forthcoming timed online auction, which begins to end on March 1st from 6pm, has a wide range of mahogany chests and bookcases, tables, and wardrobes, many of which have estimates of between €200 and €400. It also has plenty of prints and inexpensive artworks, which could add atmosphere to eating and drinking establishments.
Taking a deeper dive into the auction catalogue, browsers will note two hardwood and brass-bound camphor wood trunks (estimates €440-€600 and €200-€300), which could have great potential in a commercial or domestic space.
An Art Deco-style cherrywood and brass-bound campaign-style drinks cabinet (€1,200-€1,800) is another standout piece. Campaign style signifies a piece of furniture that is sturdy and portable. Originally campaign furniture was designed for use by military officers on the move. It was usually made from a hardwood, such as teak or mahogany, and designed to be easily disassembled, transported and reassembled in a new location.
A set of four stained wood circular folding tables (€200-€300) would be perfect for board games, which are becoming increasing popular in pubs and even among gatherings of friends as an antidote to saturated online communication.
Two cast iron doorstops (€80-€120), a Victorian hot-water watering can (€60-€80), and a continental gilt brass and cut-glass centre hanging light (€150-€250), are among the quirkier items perfect for a film set or a cool cafe interior.
wilsonsyard.com; Victormeeauctions.ie; Mullenslaurelpark.com
What did it sell for?
Achill Island, Grace Henry
- Estimate: €12,000-€15,000
- Hammer price: €10,000
- Auction house: Sheppards
What Lies Beneath, Gerald Davis
- Estimate: €400-€600
- Hammer price: €320
- Auction house: Sheppards
Untitled work, Guggi
- Estimate: €1,500-€2,000
- Hammer price: €2,700
- Auction house: Morgan O’Driscoll
Photograph of Oscar Wilde on his death bed
- Estimate: £2,000-£3,000
- Hammer price: £279,800 (€320,000)
- Auction house: Bonhams
