New saleroom in Rathmines

WHILE THE retail sector continues to suffer in the ongoing economic crisis, fine art and antiques auctioneers appear to be coping somewhat better – helped by collectors seeking alternative “safe haven” investments.

Herman Wilkinson is opening a new saleroom which will host auctions of fine art and antiques once every six weeks. Swan Hall, the new 232sq m (2,500sq ft) facility at 161 Lower Rathmines Road, was formerly a Legion of Mary hall.

The first auction takes place next Thursday, February 9th at 10am with viewing starting on Tuesday. Auctioneer David Herman said hundreds of items will go under the hammer, including a Victorian silver four-piece tea/coffee set which was “found in a skip” (€800-€1,200) and a ladies gold watch, in its original leather case, with a receipt dated 1913 for seven guineas from Hopkins and Hopkins, the jewellers shop which once occupied 1 O’Connell Street (€300-€500).

Mr Herman, beginning his 51st year in the business, said the expansion would complement the firm’s traditional weekly house contents auctions which would continue as normal in the existing saleroom. These feature “a wide range of furniture, household goods, garden equipment and miscellaneous items”.

He said business was "very good" and that auction attendance was on the increase. For further details see hermanwilkinson.ie.