Two architect's tables are among the most interesting furniture lots at Mealy's forthcoming contents sale of Tigroney House in Avoca, Co Wicklow on October 15th.
Neither is likely to be used again as originally intended. Architect's or draughtsman's tables don't come on the market very often and collectors are always there to snap them up when they do, at ever increasing prices.
The first of the tables at Mealy's sale is a George III piece, dating from around 1780 and probably Irish. It carries a pre-sale estimate of €7,000 to €9,000. The second table dates from the same period and is Scottish made. It's a more elegant piece, with its delicate inlay work and long tapering legs and has a good provenance, coming from a well known country house in Wiltshire in the UK. Its wide ranging estimate of €7,000 to €11,000 will probably be exceeded on the day, particularly if there are English dealers in attendance.
The sale is sure to attract a great deal of interest, since country house auctions have been thin on the ground this year. Viewing does not begin until next weekend, but the catalogue has already been published.
As is usual with country house sales these days, it offers a mixture of items from the house itself and from other sources. The 500 lots include some fine paintings, some good sporting prints and framed fashion plates, and a good selection of 18th and 19th century furniture, mirrors and light fittings. There is also some fine bedroom furniture, notably a handsome four poster, full tester mahogany bed with finely carved posts. It's estimated at €3,500 to €5,500.
At the end of the bed is a very pretty Regency mahogany bergere sofa attributed to Gillows. It's expected to make €3,500 to €5,000. Also for the bedroom is a good Regency period mahogany cheval mirror, which has kept its adjustable candle arms. It has a top estimate of €3,000.