A pair of wonderful Dublin-made Gainsborough armchairs, a large early 19th century Chippendale hall lantern; a 19th century Dresden pen and ink stand; a Flemish alterpiece from the 15th century; an 18th-19th century cloisonne Guang or ritual vessel; a Dublin 1744 printing of the Life of Robinson Crusoe and a portrait by Sir John Lavery of Cardinal Hayes are among the lots to feature at three days of sales at Sheppard’s in Durrow next week.

Secret letters from Jacqueline Kennedy to an Irish priest have been pulled from a controversial auction sale.

Sales of oriental and Chinese items have given the firm a firm following, says Des O’Sullivan.

AN auction in aid of conservation work on Cork’s iconic, St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, includes a limited edition print by Pablo Picasso, an Arcadian painting by William Irving, rare items of Cork and Limerick silver and a bottle of Chateau Petrus donated and signed by Michael Flatley.

A HUGE array of choice — everything from a two-seater Morris Minor at Mealy’s to an original copy of the Proclamation at James Adam’s — awaits collectors in Ireland next week.