Despite the rumblings of an economic downturn, sales at the Royal Hibernian Academy's annual art exhibition opening night surpassed even last year's exceptional levels.
Almost 2,000 academicians, associated and honorary academicians, and friends of the RHA gathered on Monday night for its 171st exhibition, tucked away behind a corner on Dublin's Ely Place. The academy's invitation-only event is important on the social calendar.
Sales had already taken off at the 300-strong private preview for friends and academicians on Varnishing Day last Saturday. The name refers to the days when artists delivered their work to the academy and applied a sheet of varnish to protect it before display.
"We're still reeling after Saturday," Ms Elaine Fallon, the academy's marketing officer, said. "Sales are way up on last year for this stage of the show and there were so many people here you couldn't see."
Guests at the exhibition included Lord Mount Charles; the US ambassador Mr Michael Sullivan, and his wife; the Czech ambassador, Dr Newman; and Lise-Ann McLaughlin (Fair City's Pauline).
More than 420 paintings, sculptures, photographs and installations are on display until May 12th in what is the academy's biggest selling and fundraising opportunity of the year. The exhibition opened to the public on Tuesday, but interested buyers will have to be quick, as more than 40 per cent of the works had already been sold by then.
The exhibition is a mixture of well-known and unknown artists, of contemporary and classical styles.
The largest open submission exhibition in the country, the RHA offers the chance for unknown artists to break through. "You can be anybody and get to display and sell your work," according to Ms Fallon. More than 2,000 entries were sent in this year, and of those academicians selected up to 200 for display. The remaining pieces are contributed by academicians and invited artists.
Prices go up to £28,000 for Raymond Mintz's oil on canvas Carousel, and £40,000 for scul ptor Robin Buick's The Kiss, but there is a lot of good value in many solid pieces costing between £300 and £2,000. Several limited edition prints are available for as little as £90.
Of the youngest artists represented, Colin Martin, in his late 20s, had two paintings selected. His untitled etching of a woman tying clothes viewed from behind, a la Ingres, was sold for £380, and the other, Dog, for the same price was still available at the time of writing.
Other well-known names, including Liam Belton and Pauline Bewick, are well represented, and most of their contributions have been acquired at prices from £8,800 to £18,800.
People were queueing up to place their red sticker on John Shinnors's Scarecrows Fear of Fire oil on canvas tryptych, priced at £7,400 and winner of one of 10 awards given out on Varnishing Day.
Another familiar name, though not for his art, civic architect Sam Stephenson contributed his first oil painting, The Basilica, Florence, which apparently he parted with very reluctantly. It was bought for £1,500.
Established in 1823 to counter the restrictive patronage system, the RHA is "run by artists for artists". A panel of business figures including Ron Bolger of KPMG and publisher John Kerry Keane contribute funds and expertise.
Anyone interested in supporting the academy or participating in events such as this exhibition can become a "friend" for as little as £38 annually.