Support St Fin Barre’s auction, says Flatley
Flatley, a longtime supporter of the cathedral, described it as an integral part of Cork’s history and heritage. He urged people to donate fine art and antiques to the cause.
St Fin Barre’s is partnering with Sheppard’s Irish Art Auction House for the May 28 auction in Fota House.
Items that may be put up for auction include jewellery, silver and plate, oriental items, porcelain and glass, collectibles, furniture, clocks and watches, garden furniture and statuary, pictures maps and prints, rare and antiquarian books, particularly of Cork interest, fine wines, and unusual novelty items.
All items for the auction should be donated by Mar 11.
Following the success of an Antiques Valuation Roadshow last October, a similar event will take place next month where prospective sellers will get the chance to have their items valued for free by experts from the Irish Antiques Dealers’ Association.
Details of the date and times of that event will be announced shortly.
In order to maintain the quality of the sale a minimum lot value of €100-€200 will be used as a guideline for sellers who can then choose to donate either 50% or 100% of the hammer price to the cathedral conservation project.
Money raised from the auction will support the cathedral’s restoration project which is now in its fourth phase.
The proposed work includes the completion of the full restoration of the exterior stonework of the south transept (Dean’s Chapel) and emergency works to gargoyles.
Work on restoring all three spires has already been completed. Earlier projects to protect the structure involved re-roofing, re-gilding the angel and refurbishing the bells.
Internally, apart from the continuing programme of marble and plaster work restoration, rebuilding of the cathedral organ is at an advanced stage.
St Fin Barre’s has assembled an experienced auction committee who can be contacted on 021-4963387, or by email at auction@cork.anglican.org
* www.cathedral.cork.anglican.org
