Stylish millennials are usually inclined towards mid-century modern furniture, boasting clean lines, simple designs and functional aspects. The lightness, both physical and visual, distinguishes it from the bulky furniture pieces often owned by the older generations. This contrast is not the only reason millennials prefer it, it’s also for its versatility in fitting seamlessly in varied home settings from modern to classical.
The Washington Post highlighted the ongoing trend among the youth who admire the light weight and minimalist approach of this furniture, while the older audience appreciates the historic and nostalgic feel attached to the 1950s and 1960s. They mentioned how people nowadays opt for open layouts with less clutter, to allow more breathing space, and this trend seems to be permanent.
The upcoming sale of 20th Century Design and Contemporary Art at Adam’s offers an opportunity for mid-century design admirers to fulfil their interior design cravings. The auction, scheduled to commence at 2pm on October 22nd, features several exemplary pieces from Irish, Italian and Scandinavian designers.
The auction includes worth-mentioning pieces from notable Irish designer and architect, Eileen Gray. Six of her creations are up for sale, including a Non-Conformist chair (£2,000-£3,000) and a couple of adjustable E-1027 chrome side tables (£1,500-£2,000). These iconic designs from Eileen, whose architectural wonder E-1027 in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, south France is considered an epitome of modernistic design, are available for purchase. Amongst these, a highlight includes her famous folding lacquer screens and a leather transit chair (£4,000-£6,000).
The auction organised by Morgan O’Driscoll, features almost 200 distinct items, including an outstanding variety of tables and sideboards. Among these, a burl wood coffee table (€2,000-€3,000), a creation by Italian photographer and designer Willy Rizzo, stands out. Moreover, a collection of table and floor lamps, often the first choice of millennials decorating their homes, is also available.
The auction, branded as Morgan O’Driscoll Irish and International Art Online Auction, also provides a broad selection of Irish art dated from the 20th century and will conclude on Tuesday, October 22nd. “The art portfolios range from those of Roderic O’Conor, Jack B Yeats and William Conor, the notable painters of early 20th century, to the works of Norah McGuinness and Tony O’Malley from the 70s and the 80s, extending to contemporary painters like Donald Teskey and Sean Scully,” O’Driscoll informs.
There has been substantial interest in Sean Scully’s 2021 painting known as Wall Dark Green (€500,000-€700,000) during the viewing in West Cork, which occurred last weekend. As Scully’s paintings are seldom found in Ireland, owning one of his latest works can be quite exceptional. Interestingly, few other pieces of his art are also being auctioned at Adam’s Mid Century Modern Auction next week.
Additionally, a sole photograph from the auction captured by Alberto Korda back in the 1960s’ is worth noting. The photograph portrays French intellectuals Simone de Beauvoir and Jean Paul Sartre with Ernesto Che Guevara, an influential figure of the Cuban revolution, in Cuba. It’s up for grabs between €1,000 and €1,500. The art enthusiasts can also explore some captivating art pieces sculpted by Irish wood turners such as an ebonised oak vessel by Liam Flynn (€2,500-€3,500) and the intricate sculpture titled ‘Grinding Water’ by Emmet Kane (€2,000-€4,000). The collection also showcases pieces by international artists including, ‘Farmstead Autumn’ by Francois Gall, a French artist of Hungarian descent. It is priced between €3,000 and €5,000.
John Barber, an antique dealer who once furnished Buckingham Palace, is set to attract a crowd at the Wexford Opera Festival Antiques Fair, to be held at the Talbot Hotel in Wexford. The fair runs from October 24th to 28th between 11am and 8pm daily. Visitors will have the opportunity to buy furniture, porcelain and silver. Furthermore, it won’t be unusual to hear opera arias ad hoc during the event, featuring over 20 dealers including the likes of Matthew Weldon, Marie Curran, and Norman Allison, who will be selling their goods.
Separately, Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers is hosting their Chatsworth Fine Art autumn sale on the 23rd and 24th of October, at their auction rooms in Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny. On offer will be a broad assortment of antique silverware, unique vintage jewellery and charming oriental porcelain bowls, dishes and vases amongst over 1,000 lots.
John Weldon auctioneers, situated in Cow’s Lane, Temple Bar, Dublin, is encouraging men considering proposing to their significant others this festive season to attend their auction of jewellery, watches, silverware and coins on October 22nd. Single diamond rings set in 14ct gold, 18ct gold with extra diamonds or platinum are amongst the items available for buyers.
A painting by Colin Middleton titled Woman with Vase of Flowers sold at Potomack Company, a Virginia, US auction house for an impressive $19,000, significantly above its estimated value. At Ross’s auction house, an 18th-century marine chronometer by Haley of London was sold for £1,700.
The auction firm, Adam’s, projected a valuation between €600 and €800. However, the final bid price astonishingly reached up to €2,600.