Now in its 56th year, Birr Vintage Week, which runs from August 2nd-10th, could almost be described as a vintage event in itself. And the antique fair – which will be held on August 5th and 6th in the Country Arms Hotel – is one of the original events of this popular summer arts festival in the Co Offaly town.
First organised by Birr-native Ena Hoctor as an upmarket event, the antiques fair had about 12 stands in the early years. And both the public and dealers dressed in period costume for the occasion.
In the last 20 years or so, Robin O’Donnell from Hibernian Antique Fairs has been running the fair. “We introduced more dealers with far more of a variety of items to suit every pocket rather than just the high end of the business,” says O’Donnell.
Margaret Daly, owner of The Antique Shop in Birr in the 1980s and 1990s, has been attending the fair since it began and more recently has run her own stand.
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“There’s everything from china to jewellery, old bank notes, coins and furniture,” says Daly, who will be selling silverware, small pieces of furniture and Waterford Crystal this year. “Waterford has come back into fashion – particularly whiskey, brandy and wine glasses,” she says.
Neville Duke from Ashbrook Antiques in Roscrea, Co Tipperary, will also have a stand. A dealer of 35 years, Duke used to source much of his furniture in the UK, but since Brexit now travels regularly to France instead.
“I go to the dealers and brocante (second-hand) markets in towns and villages across France,” says Duke. He also sources furniture at the “vide grenier” or attic-clearance sales where French people literally open their front doors and sell things on the streets on specified days of the year.
Duke says that the most popular items he sells include large farmhouse kitchen tables in pine or oak, marble-top chests of drawers, side tables and sideboards. “The marble-top furniture can be used in hallways, reception rooms and bedrooms,” he says.
Many antique dealers stress that, compared with modern furniture, antique furniture is much more robust, can be moved to different rooms – or indeed houses – and is often a good deal less expensive than new furniture.
“I could furnish an entire house with antiques for the same price as a key statement modern piece,” says one dealer who prefers to remain anonymous.
But the Birr Vintage Week Antiques Fair is not all about furniture, and dealers such as Eily Henry Vintage from Stradbally in Co Waterford will have a range of vintage handbags, jewellery and hats. “It will be my first time at the Birr Vintage Week antiques fair because it usually coincides with the antiques fair at the Dublin Horse Show at the RDS in Ballsbridge, but this year it doesn’t,” says Henry.
She expects many of her buyers will be those seeking out vintage hats and handbags for weddings and other special events. “Pillbox hats from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s are popular now because they sit on top of your head and don’t destroy your hairstyle,” she says. Small handbags which can just about hold a mobile phone are also popular, according to Henry, who sources much of her stock in London.
And Louis and Vernon Walsh, who have just moved their Treasures art and collectables shop into a new, larger premises on Mardyke Street in Athlone, Co Westmeath, will also be at the fair. “We’ve been going to Birr since Robin O’Donnell started,” says Vernon. He expects the art from living and deceased Irish artists will sell best. Works will include pieces by artists Mark O’Neill, James Brohan and Grace Cunningham as well as drawings by Jack B Yeats and paintings by Cecil Maguire, Pauline Bewick and others. Dealers selling old bank notes, coins, medals and militaria will also be present.
Vernon says the fair attracts up to 100 people who attend every art and antique fair held around Ireland as well as locals and tourists visiting the town for Birr Vintage Week. And, he expects buyers will haggle. “Everyone will ask is that your best price and we’ll often knock something off the price anyway for the feel-good factor,” he says.
Meanwhile, John Weldon Auctioneers on Cows Lane, Temple Bar, Dublin, will host a jewellery, watches, Irish silver, coins and bank notes auction on Tuesday, July 30th, from 2pm. The auction will include some exquisite diamond rings, antique silver trays, tea sets and a silver punch set. Specialist collectors of bank notes might also be interested in the Lady Lavery bank notes with war codes. Weldon explains how war codes (lists of numbers on the legal tender) were an added security measure placed on Irish banks printing notes during the second World War. “There was a fear that British bank notes could be reproduced by Germany and if that were to have happened, it could have crippled the economy of Britain. Printing of the special markings continued up to VE Day,” he says.
What did it sell for?
Art-deco inspired bracelet in 18ct white gold with 13ct of diamonds
Estimate: £22,000-£24,000 (€26,000-€28,400)
Auction result: Not sold
Auction house: Ross’s
Three-stone 2.5-carat diamond ring, crafted in 18 carat yellow gold
Estimate: £3,000-£5,000
Hammer price: £2,200
Auction house: Ross’s
Seven limited-edition bottles from the Redbreast Dream Cast series
Estimate: £8,000-£14,000
Hammer price: £11,160 including premium
Auction house: Bonham’s whisky and spirits auction in Edinburgh
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