Big auction bids put Irish antique and arts market in global spotlight

Des O’Sullivan reports on a remarkable week at Ireland’s top auctions.

THE digital world is exerting a growing influence on Irish and international art and antiques markets.

Last week’s sale of a native Indian costume, which had been illustrated on these pages a couple of weeks ago, for €320,000 to a telephone buyer from America at Fonsie Mealy’s auction in Castlecomer is just one example of how global the market has become nowadays.

This week, Sotheby’s reported dramatic growth in online activity last year, when there was nearly 25% more online bidders than in 2013.

In 2014 Sotheby’s had an increase of nearly 20% in new online bidders and 10 lots were sold for $500,000 or more online.

In Dublin, Whyte’s will hold their first ever online only Irish art auction next Wednesday. The catalogue lists 148 lots and estimates begin at just €50 up.

Whyte’s report that — in latter times — up to 25% of the lots sold at auction have been bought by people bidding online.

Whyte’s will conduct valuations at the over 50’s Show at City Hall in Cork today and tomorrow.

They will offer expert advice on paintings, drawings, sculpture, photographs, posters, books, antique toys and memorabilia from the worlds of rock, pop, entertainment and sport.