A Christmas rush of auctions for quality antique shoppers

Des O’Sullivan looks at a number of interesting lots on offer next week, including a copy of Boole’s theory.    

IN terms of auctions, the Christmas rush continues next week.

Shoppers in pursuit of something different or memorable will find plenty at Fonsie Mealy’s rare books, manuscripts and watercolours’ sale at Clyde Court Hotel in Dublin next Tuesday at 10.15 am.

There is everything for the collector including an inscribed first edition by George Boole’s theory, which led to the creation of the internet, and the Georgian Society’s records of 18th century domestic architecture and decoration in Dublin.

Treasure hunters will be rewarded in a trawl through the 750 lots on offer by items as diverse as a first edition of Dracula by Bram Stoker, the stained glass designs of Richard King, an original illuminated charter of Charles II with details of property grants in Cork city, and 1974 correspondence by playwright Brian Friel, who died this year, on the then state of the Irish theatre.

On Monday, Adams will offer the Tim Vignoles collection of Irish books with just under 500 lots.

On Tuesday they will offer the cartography collection of Professor Richard Clarke which includes rare Dutch, French, Irish and British charts an maps.

This sale offers no less than 487 lots.

There is a hugely interesting selection at the Christmas sale at Mealy’s in Castlecomer at 10 am on Monday.

This sale includes a 1922 Constitution Committee photograph taken at the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin and an Irish Labour Party and Trades Union Congress investigation with evidence from over 70 witnesses on Who Burnt Cork City? published in 1921.

There is Cork furniture and silver, a circular Lalique bowl, a Louis Vuitton lady’s travelling vanity case and a wine and port section to celebrate the season in considerable style.