Roxane Moorhead's home displays her knowledge of antiques, yet it is comfortable and bright, writes Eoin Lyons
Acknowledged as the doyenne of the antiques world Roxane Moorhead lives in a modern mews in Dublin 4. It was bought with some trepidation about 15 years ago. "A builder friend bullied me into it, but it was the best thing I've ever done," she says, referring to the sound investment it turned out to be.
Roxane started out in the antiques business 30 years ago. "I'd always been interested in furniture and then my cousin Jane Williams asked if I would come and work with her at the antique shop she was about to open in Brown Thomas. We sold great things at the foot of the marble stairs going down to the lower ground floor of the old building. I eventually opened my own shop on Francis Street."
Although still working part time at Jones Antiques, she now sources pieces directly for clients by drawing on contacts built up over the years. She also teaches Fine Art at IPAV (Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers).
There are two rooms on the ground floor: a living room at the back and a kitchen/dining room to the front. The early 19th century table is set for party with a Mason's Ironstone dinner service. Ever ready to share information, Roxane says this is a type of china "between a porcelain and stoneware".
The dining chairs are covered with different coloured leathers and above the table is a hanging corner unit in which she stores small Victorian glasses. Roxane entertains regularly and without fuss. "This a small room but I still manage to fit eight or nine people around the table. I like making a nice table with flowers and settings so there's some kind of ambience. A good mix of people, who haven't all met before, is the secret to a good party. Everything is always relaxed here." Regulars include her second cousin, the gilder Jane Williams (niece of the lady Roxane worked with at BT), Clodagh Duff and Christopher Moore, decorative painter.
"I always like to try out new recipes, unfortunately for my guests. I love making unusual soups, like Thai fish soup. I find Donnybrook Fair very good for fish. Lawler's in Rathmines has the best meat and Roy Fox's shop in Donnybrook is where I buy my vegetables."
Rather than begging visitors to stare at artistic displays, each corner gently trips and delights the eye. In the livingroom, the focus is a cast-iron chimneypiece in Adam style. "People seem to think I should have something grander here but at the time this was what I could afford. Anyway, I think it suits the house." The looking glass (antique types never say 'mirror') is mid 19th century; the cherub lamp is from Patrick Howard on Francis Street and the painting to the left is by Stanley William Hayter, Roxane's brother in law. "The person who understood my style was Homan Potterton, a director of the National Gallery at one stage. He said it was elegant but comfortable." A rug from Roxane's large collection is on the floor. "I'd buy even more if I could afford them," she admits. Her friend Kari Stephenson, of Kari Curtains, made the curtains.
Outside, the house has an enclosed patio where camellias and other plants are coming into flower. Gardening is another love. Roxane gives tours of gardens around the country.
On one table is a collection of 18th and 19th century blue and white china. "Some of it is from the Nan King - the name of a ship that went down in 1800." Elsewhere, is a small collection of 19th century bronzes.
In a cloakroom, straw hats hang together. "Every time I go on holiday I forget to bring a hat, so I buy a straw one each time. "
The guest bedroom is painted in zingy yellows and reds. "Even at night, the walls are so bright they almost light the room," she laughs. Here there is Frette bed linen and Jo Malone candles.
Roxane Moorhead can be contacted at 01-660 5165
