Items owned by David Bowie, Jackie Collins and Lady Gaga will feature alongside the best of Irish antique design classics at the 52nd Irish Antique Dealers Fair at the RDS from September 22-24.
Over 15,000 people are expected to visit the annual fair that manages to combine contemporary design history with the best of Irish antiques.
And this year, attendees will also get a unique glimpse into the high-end treasures of the rock and pop world thanks to Dubliner Laurence Carpenter.
“We will be displaying a collection of signed David Bowie lithographs – including his own charcoal drawing for an album press launch – alongside rare finds from Rihanna, Noel Gallagher and Lady Gaga,” said Laurence of Irish-based Pop Icons, who deal mostly in London, New York and Los Angeles.
“We will have a mixture of contemporary artists’ costumes such as the headpiece Beyonce wore in the video for Lemonade, Lady Gaga’s graffiti corset and signed guitars from some of the music world’s top icons such as Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page.
“Music memorabilia can fetch up to six figures and we will be delighted to value any items that attendees feel have real value and provenance.”
Dublin antique dealer Niall Mullen will be selling a cold-painted bronze by renowned sculpture Josef Lorenzl which was bought from international author Jackie Collins’ estate sale at her home in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles.
“Jackie Collins was passionate about collecting, and spent many decades selecting paintings, statuettes and jewellery which brought her joy and creative inspiration, and this bronze, valued at €3,850, is emblematic of her glamorous lifestyle,” said Niall.
Weldon’s will be displaying an important emerald-cut diamond solitaire ring, worth an estimated €150,000, at the Fair.
The 1950’s French ring is 6.79 carats, with I colour and VS clarity, set on a slim and elegant four claw mounting.
As well as the chance to buy the one piece that can transform your home, the Fair offers a full programme of fascinating lectures.
One of the world’s foremost experts on art theft, Julian Radcliffe of the Art Loss Register, will host a compelling talk on the importance of provenance and how to enhance value.
Shell mania in 18th Century Ireland is the subject of a superb talk by Vandra Costello who will examine how shells became fashionable in furniture, plasterwork and shell houses and grottos.
A special celebratory preview night will be held on Thursday September 21, and the Fair proper runs from Friday Sept 22-Sunday Sept 24 at the RDS Main Hall.
The Fair, founded by Louis O’Sullivan, has been acknowledged as the springboard for the success of the indigenous Irish antiques industry.
“For the past 52 years, people have been attending the fair to discover something different, that magical piece that can make a home,” said Paul Brereton, President of the Irish Antique Dealers Association (IADA).
“The fair is a fascinating insight into great craftsmanship throughout the ages, attracting collectors and connoisseurs of all tastes.
“For over half a century, firstly in the Mansion House and now in the RDS, it has been synonymous with quality – with all items having to be vetted before display.
“We have a carefully selected blend of antique and contemporary exhibitors, allowing all ages to focus on the unique yet affordable design that appeals to them.
“All the members of the IADA are experts in the field they deal in and are always prepared to share their advice and knowledge.”
Admission to the 52nd Irish Antique Dealers Fair at the RDS from September 22-24 is €10, available at the door.
There will also be a series of lectures on the day:
IADA Fair Lecture Programme
Friday 22nd September
12 Noon
The Real Story Behind Somerville and Ross’s Big House at Inver
Robert O’Byrne – Author, Historian
1pm
Making Magnificence: Architects, Stuccatori and 18th Century Interior
Dr Christine Casey – Associate Professor in Architectural History, Trinity College Dublin.
2pm
George Victor du Noyer 1817 – 1869 Watercolours of Ireland
Dr Peter Murray – Past Director of Crawford Gallery Cork.
3pm
History of The Asian Collections in the National Museum of Ireland
Dr Audrey Whitty – Keeper of Art & Industrial Division, National Museum of Ireland.
Saturday 23rd September
12 Noon
The Fascinating Story of the Claddagh Ring
Phyllis McNamara of Cobwebs, Galway.
1pm
Irish Silver Unmasked
Dr Tom Sinsteden – Member of the Dublin Assay Office, Member of the Antique Plate Committee of Company Goldsmith, Dublin.
2pm
George Stacpoole in Conversation with Dr Thomas Ryan, Past President of the Royal Hibernian Academy.
3pm
A Grand Profusion of Curious Shells. Shell Mania in 18th Century Ireland. How Shells Became Fashionable Motifs in Furniture, Plaster Work and Shell Houses and Grottoes.
Vandra Costello – Landscape Historian.
Sunday 24th September
12 Noon
Headfort House and the Taylour Legacy. Story of the family, the contents including the portraits and Robert Adams involvement
George Williams – Antique Dealer and Restorer.
1pm
Exhibiting Art in Georgian Ireland
Dr Ruth Kenny – Curator of the Irish Georgian Society 2018 Exhibition Celebrating the Society of Arts in Ireland.
2pm
Importance of Provenance – How to Enhance Value
Julian Radcliffe – Art Loss Register.
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