Stained glass work by Harry Clarke carries African history

By Des O’Sullivan says there is a much to choose from at the Chatsworth Fine Art sale where 750 lots are on offer. 

A large nine- panelled rose window with an image of St Patrick from the Harry Clarke studio is one of the more unusual lots at the Chatsworth Fine Art sale at Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers in Castlecomer next Tuesday at 10.30 am.

The window was commissioned for a seminary at Enugu, Nigeria in the mid-1960’s but delivery was halted by the Biafran War. It is estimated at €1,000-€1,500.

The catalogue cover is a specimen wood table attributed to AWN Pugin (1812-1852) previously illustrated on these pages. It is from the the collection of a religious order and estimated at €4,000-€6,000.

Pugin, who pioneered the Gothic Revival style, designed a number of buildings in Ireland including Maynooth College and churches and cathedrals in Killarney, Enniscorthy and Tralee. The sale features an unusual set of six small Gothic Revival hall chairs similar to a Pugin design for the House of Commons (€1,200-€1,800).

Amongst a selection of antique furniture on offer is a pair of Regency brass inlaid console tables (€3,500-€5,000), a Victorian burr walnut davenport (€1,850-€2,250); a marquetry and ormolu mounted centre table (€900-€1,200); A William IV library table by Morgan’s of Dublin (€350-€500) and an Irish Georgian dining table with two d-shaped falling leaves (€300-€400).

A selection of brass fenders and a 19th century fire grate come from Castle Oliver in Co Limerick. Art includes The Cork Man by Marshall Hutson (€200-€300) and works by Norah McGuinness, Rose Barton and Arthur Maderson and the auction of more than 750 lots offers silver, collectibles, militaria, glass, mirrors, light fittings, carpets and rugs.

There is viewing in Castlecomer from noon to 5.30pm tomorrow and from 10.30am to 5.30pm on Monday.