Throughout the centuries, women’s notable achievements have been frequently neglected or erased by history. However, there are those who leave such an indelible mark that they become rediscovered with fascination by subsequent generations. It’s high time we abandon the forgetting phase of this cycle and proceed directly to the everlasting legacies.
Born in 1915, Lillias Mitchell provides an iconic example. A student of Elizabeth Yeats in her early years, she later found her true calling in sculpture. Her notable contribution was setting up the weaving department at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin. She was a passionate advocate of natural fibres and dyes, an interest that seems to have been rekindled in contemporary times.
Mitchell was particularly mindful of the financial roadblocks that artists often face. To help others navigate this, she established a fund for the Golden Fleece Award. The latest winners of this award have now been publicly disclosed. She once stated, “It is a sad truth that many talented artists cannot pursue their passions due to the lack of consistent income, yet their financial responsibilities persist.”
Recently, the artists Áine Mac Giolla Bhríde and jeweller-designer Genevieve Howard each received a €10,000 award. Mac Giolla Bhríde intends to use the prize to further explore her creativity and develop fresh methods of showcasing her work. Howard, who is based in Dublin, plans to create a fresh portfolio for her inaugural solo display at Gallery Marzee in the Netherlands this year.
Furthermore, the remarkable shortlisted artists and creators, Caoimhe Kilfeather, Elinor O’Donovan, Frances Crowe, Kian Benson Bailes, Peter Sheehan and Sam Gleeson, each received €2,000.
The upcoming O’Reilly’s sale is set to feature a literal interpretation of gold. The live auction scheduled for noon on March 27th is currently viewing pieces such as enticing sapphire and diamond rings set in 18ct gold, expected to fetch between €250-€350, and an exquisitely antique diamond bangle, estimated to carry between 4.5 and 5ct carats of diamonds, set in 15ct gold with a price range of €6,000-€8,000.
O’Reilly’s wants to highlight the significant benefits of purchasing at auction, underlining its sustainability as part of the circular economy where you invest in spectacular pieces. This practice ensures your golden purchase is more or less void of guilt. An exquisite piece to consider is the Van Cleef & Arpels leaf-shaped 18ct gold brooch (€3,500-€4,000). Another notable item is a half sovereign from 1908 with pendant attachment (€175-€225), offering a value that certainly exceeds its gold weight.
For those feeling adventurous, consider the stunning unmounted brilliant cut diamond sealed in an HRD packet. If you’re not familiar, HRD refers to the prominent Hoge Raad voor Diamant, an Antwerp-based diamond certification lab recognized as one of the largest in Europe. The diamond comes with a certificate, verifying it’s a 5.08 ct, D-colour and has a clarity of SI2, with an estimated price range of €109,000 to €112,000. All that’s left is to find a fitting setting for it.
Please visit goldenfleeceaward.com, genevievehowardstudio.com, or oreillysfineart.com for further details.