Heiress's possessions up for auction

More than 100 personal possessions belonging to an American beauty and heiress will go under the hammer in Dublin this week.

More than 100 personal possessions belonging to an American beauty and heiress will go under the hammer in Dublin this week.

Anne Moen Bullitt, who died in Ireland last year, was famed for her collection of haute couture clothing and jewellery.

Included in the sale are two unique hand painted Chinese six-fold silk screens, valuable watercolours, and a collection of carved Oriental ornaments.

Mrs Bullitt was the daughter of the United States Ambassador to Russia, millionaire William Bullitt, and Louise Bryant, an American journalist and radical.

Her mother, who counted Eugene O'Neill and F Scott Fitzgerald as friends, was part of the Parisian ex-patriot set of the 1920s.

She also witnessed first hand the Bolshevik Revolution in Moscow with her first husband, John Reed. Their tempestuous relationship was the basis of the Oscar-winning 1981 film Reds, with Reed played by Warren Beatty and Bryant played by Diane Keaton.

Mrs Bullitt, who was married four times, lived at Palmerston House near Kill, Co Dublin.

Independently wealthy, she had a distinguished career in horse racing, being the first female breeder and trainer of thoroughbreds in Ireland and owner of the largest horse farm in the country, Palmerston Stud.

On Tuesday morning, Adam's will auction more 100 items from Mrs Bullitt's estate in the Fine Period Furniture and Decorative Arts Sale.

Her collection features watercolours of Edwardian jockeys by Joshua Dighton, personal travel trunks and fine European and English porcelain.

Jane Beattie, associate director, Adam's, said Anne Bullitt was a glamorous American socialite, who was well known for her great taste and great sense of style.

"Her collections of vintage haute couture clothing and jewellery are internationally renowned, and we're delighted to be offering for sale some of her more personal, everyday items that largely decorated Palmerston House," said Jane.

Her 1955 Cartier 100 carat diamond necklace was auctioned last December at Bonhams, London, selling for in excess of €600,000.