Talk of a revival of interest in antique bedroom furniture will be put to the test next Wednesday afternoon at an auction conducted by Sheppard & Sons in Durrow, Co Laois. Several of the 350-plus lots relate to the bedroom, not least of which is a 19th century mahogany and satinwood cross-banded gentleman's wardrobe, which carries a pre-sale estimate of £1,500-£2,000.
Another Victorian mahogany wardrobe and a four-piece Edwardian mahogany and marquetry bedroom suite carry the same estimate. A plush-looking Victorian mahogany-framed and upholstered bed, with arched top and baluster pillars, is expected to make £1,400-£1,800, and a pair of late 19th century kingwood and parquetry beds with ormolu mounts has an estimate of £1,000-£1,500.
Elsewhere in this auction, there is plenty of furniture which is always certain to find eager buyers. Sofa tables, for example, never fail to secure bids, so interest is assured for a 19th century mahogany example (£1,500-£2,500) and another 19th century sofa table in mahogany and marquetry (£2,000-£3,000). Display cabinets too seem to sell without fail.
A Sheraton mahogany and satinwood cabinet in this auction has an estimate of £2,000-£2,500 and another is valued fractionally higher at £2,000-£3,000.
Other items of furniture certain to be popular include a neo-classical mahogany and satinwood corner cabinet (£1,500-£2,000), a set of eight Chippendale mahogany dining chairs (£3,000-£4,000), a 19th century mahogany and boxwood, inlaid long-case clock (£3,000-£4,000) and a Victorian mahogany bookcase (£1,500-£2,500).
Two of the more interesting lots in the sale are an art nouveau mahogany drinks bureau, the front of which is inlaid with various exotic metals (£1,500-£2,000), and an early 19th century creamware leech jar (£300-£500). However, the lot with by far the highest estimate is a mid-19th century painting. Nancy by Alfred de Prades is not a portrait of a society beauty but a successful racehorse, shown here with her jockey and owner. It is expected to go for £8,000-£12,000.
