Guinness seduces bidders with family heirlooms

The Guinness name proved seductive yesterday as bidders vied for a piece of Furness, the Co Kildare home of Irish Georgian Society president Patrick Guinness, and items of Irish and historical interest.

The Irish Houses of Parliament Speakers clock sold for a hammer price of €115,000 over a top €90,000 estimate.

Yet in a day when salesroom casualties were rare, Daniel Maclise’s Spirit of Justice estimated at €50,000 to €70,000 failed to sell.