Library sale opens a brand new chapter

Des O’Sullivan previews an interesting event at James Adam in Dublin.

AN IRISH LIBRARY — the sale at James Adam in Dublin at noon on Wednesday — reflects the sort of weird and wonderful idea of the library in an Irish country house as a repository for all sorts of exotica.

This interesting sale offers books, furniture, art, miliatria and taxidermy.

Ten coloured engravings by Giovanni Ottaviani of Raphael’s Loggia, an outstanding pair of celestial and terrestrial globes, a pair of Irish carved side tables, a magnificent George II secretaire and a Killarney davenport are among the prime lots.

There is art by Richard Carver, Edwin Hayes and Erskine Nicol.

Taxidermy includes antlers, a wild boar, a lion and a bear cub.

Viewing is this weekend and on Monday and Tuesday.

A 19th century metamorphic library chair/steps in the manner of Pugin at James Adam (€400-€600).