Cork becomes a mecca for collectors this weekend

All roads lead to Cork, which transforms this weekend into a mecca for antique lovers. 

Collectors will be out in force for the Cork National Antiques Art and Vintage Fair at the Clayton Silver Springs Hotel in Tivoli today and tomorrow.

More than 80 dealers from around the country— from Belfast to Galway, Dublin to Tipperary and Kerry to Co Down — have brought a huge variety of antique and collectible items in all price ranges for what is one of the most important events on the annual calendar of Hibernian Art Fairs.

Many have come up with items of specific Cork interest. For example Weldon’s of Dublin will offer a rare c1785 Cork asparagus tongs by Carden Terry priced at €5,650 and Vanessa Parker Rare Books of Westport, Co. Mayo has the Cork and Munster Trades Directory for 1901.

This should be of particular interest as it coincides with the great Cork Exhibition which more than a century later must rank still as one of the finest displays ever put on in Cork.

There is antique furniture, Irish art; jewellery; silver and plate; books; porcelain; vintage fashion and accessories; clocks; brass and copper; prints and engraving; coins and banknotes; Waterford Crystal; tin plate toys including train sets and steam engines; Oriental collectibles; record players; fishing and hunting accessories and militaria.

This fair was originally a one day fair but has proved so popular over the years that it has extended into a second day.

So, whether it is an antique diamond line bracelet priced at €27,500 at Weldons or a vintage fashion hat, an antique card table or an old record player; whether the budget runs to tens, hundreds, thousands or above, there is bound to be something to whet the appetite in Cork this weekend.

Opening times are from 11 am to 6 pm today and tomorrow.