Historic stained glass illuminates Mealy’s sale

A two-day sale in Castlecomer is packed with prime pieces to tempt collectors, writes Des O’Sullivan.  

HISTORIC stained glass from the Convent of Mercy in Castletownbere, Ernest Bewley’s desk, and a white marble crouching Venus — once at Powerscourt House — are among the lots to tempt collectors at Fonsie Mealy’s two-day sale in Castlecomer next Tuesday and Wednesday.

Made by the Earley Studios in Dublin the prime piece from among eight glass panels is St Patrick Our National Apostle. Estimated at €4,000-€6,000 it depicts King Loegaire, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages, king of pagans and barbarians, being baptised and received into the Catholic Church.