Shaken and stirred by the art deco bar

AFTER THE horror and economic misery of the first World War, Europeans desperately needed a lift.

The age of modernity swept in from the United States on a wave of jazz, flapper girls and “talkie movies”, ushering in the Roaring Twenties.

The predominant design style was, of course, art deco and the art, furniture, glass, sculpture and light fittings from that era have become very collectable.

Dublin antiques dealer Niall Mullen, who specialises in art deco, has moved to larger premises in Dublin’s Liberties. His new shop, at 57 Francis Street, has showrooms with some 186sq m of display space.

The stock currently includes pieces by Émile Gallé, Asprey’s and Tiffany, with prices starting at €100. For wealthy collectors, Mullen has the ultimate trophy piece for lounge lizards.

A “newly-arrived” rosewood and walnut drinks cabinet, with maple interior, separate mobile bar and six chrome and leather stools is, he said, of “stunning quality” and “the best art deco furniture” he has handled in 12 years.

The suite, priced at €28,500, was commissioned for a house in London in the 1920s when “bright young things” first began to drink cocktails.

To celebrate the opening of the shop, Mullen has invited Irish Times readers to join him for (what else?) cocktails today from 11am-6pm and tomorrow from 2pm-5pm.