Archive puts spotlight on how The Gaiety Theatre was built in just 28 weeks

Des O'Sullivan previews an auction offering everything from theatre memorabilia to rare editions of classic books

The Gaiety Theatre archive at Fonsie Mealy.

From the rapid construction of The Gaiety Theatre in Dublin in 1871 to an incredibly rare 1823 second edition of Frankenstein, and from the Carton House music collection, to the earliest printed house contents sale catalogue in Ireland, Fonsie Mealy’s rare book and collections sale in Castlecomer this week covers a multitude.

The catalogue notes that the much-loved Gaiety, which opened in 1871 and continues merrily to this day, was reputedly built in just 28 weeks from start to finish.