Sotheby’s first auction in London dedicated to Irish Art took place 20 years ago, in 1995, and quickly became established as an annual landmark event in the art-market calendar. Following the economic downturn, and the sharp fall in Irish art prices, the Irish Sale was dropped in 2012 but has now been re-instated and will take place on Wednesday afternoon (October 21st).
The 72 lots – paintings and sculpture – will go on view in London at Sotheby’s in New Bond Street from noon tomorrow, Sunday, until noon on Wednesday.
Sotheby’s has expressed confidence about the sale claiming “demand from collectors of Irish art from outside Ireland has increased”. But the economic recovery underway in Ireland may also see bidding from collectors here – despite the strength of sterling versus the euro.
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Last week, the works were returned to Dublin for three days of viewing at the RHA Gallery and attracted considerable interest. Over 1,000 people visited the exhibition including a group of private bankers and British ambassador Dominic Chilcott.
Charlie Minter, Sotheby's Irish art specialist, said the viewing was "extremely well received – a result of the quality of the pictures on offer, the inclusion of more contemporary artists, and not least a genuine enthusiasm for our re-launch of a dedicated [Irish] sale".
The sale includes all the major names in Irish art, most notably Jack B Yeats who accounts for no fewer than 11 lots and all the traditionally popular subjects are depicted especially the west of Ireland, horses and portraits of women.
Other artists represented include Paul Henry, Sean Keating, Frank McKelvey and Peter Curling.
One of the least expensive lots is a painting by the late Dublin artist Patrick Leonard titled, topically, The Rugby Match (£3,000-£5,000/€4,057-€6,760).
Racing enthusiasts will be interested in a 19th century oil by Henry Barraud, The Punchestown Winners, 1868 (£12,000-£18,000); and a sketch by Basil Blackshaw of Foinavon (£18,000-£25,000) the racehorse – a rank outsider at 100-1 – that won the 1967 Grand National at Aintree.
Top 10 lots Sotheby’s, London: The Irish Sale 2015
1. Japanese Switzerland by Sir John Lavery (right)£300,000- £500,000 (€405,645- €676,132)
2. Nude Girl Reading by Sir William Orpen (below) £300,000- £500,000
3. The Talkers by Jack B Yeats £150,000- £250,000
4. A Storm / Gaillshion by Jack B Yeats £150,000- £250,000
5. Alice On Sultan, Tangier by Sir John Lavery (right) £150,000- £250,000
6 The Forlorn Hope by Jack B Yeats £120,000-£180,000
7 View From Howth by Sir William Orpen £80,000- £120,000
8 The Trotter by Jack B Yeats £80,000- £120,000
9 Woman With A Violin by Roderic O'Conor £70,000- £100,000
10 Hastings Railway Station by Walter Frederick Osborne £60,000-£100,000
