Antique Fairs in Birr Experience a Renewed Surge of Popularity Among Locals
At the recent Fine Art and Antiques Fair in Birr, Co Offaly, over 1,100 attendees gathered to browse an array of antiques, from paintings and jewellery to militaria and vintage wines. Among the various treasures up for grabs was a rare Beswick Shire horse figurine, which sold for a record-breaking price of £11,300 (€12,997) at a Potteries auction in Stoke-on-Trent, England, in November 2022 [2].
This significant event in the price history of rare Beswick Shire horses reflects the high collector value and rarity of these pieces. Established in 1894 in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, England, Beswick Pottery is renowned for its high-quality porcelain figures, including Shire horses. The company was later sold to Royal Doulton in 1969 before closing in 2002 [2].
Cherylann Erkelens, owner of psitsvintage.co.uk and a Co Antrim jewellery dealer, attended the Birr fair for the first time. Erkelens, who has met many dealers and customers at other fairs around the country, found success with her best sellers, which included gold and silver rings, gold and silver pendants, and vintage lockets.
Another notable dealer at the fair was Norman Allison from Annamoe Antiques in Co Wicklow, who showcased a wide range of Persian and Turkish rugs at his corner stall. Seamus Heffernan, from Cashel, Co Tipperary, was among the buyers, purchasing a silk on cotton Persian rug for €550.
Patrick Delany, an antiques shop owner in Cambridge, New Zealand, who frequents Ireland annually for the Dublin Horse Show, also attended the fair. Delany was involved in the purchase of an ornate gong originating from Irish country houses for €160, a deal facilitated by Louis Walsh, who runs Treasures Antiques and Fine Art store in Athlone, Co Westmeath.
Meanwhile, at Victor Mitchell's auction house, a Regency 'coronation' chair sold for €850, with an estimate of €100-€150. A pharmacy cabinet also found a new home for €2,300, while a pitch pine refectory-style table fetched €1,250. A Persian pattern floor rug sold for €1,500, with an estimate of €750-€1,200.
As the antiques market continues to thrive, the allure of collectibles like Beswick Shire horses and Persian rugs remains strong. Whether at a fair or an auction, the pursuit of rare and unique items promises an exciting adventure for both dealers and collectors alike.
References: [1] Etsy listing: Beswick Grey Gloss Shire Horse (large action, model number 2578) - £280 (discounted from £350) [2] The Potteries Auction Rooms: Beswick Shire Horse Fetches Record Price at Stoke-on-Trent Auction - £11,300 (€12,997)
- At the fair, Cherylann Erkelens, the owner of psitsvintage.co.uk, showcased her best sellers, which included jewelry items, as well as fashion-and-beauty accessories like gold and silver rings, gold and silver pendants, and vintage lockets.
- Meanwhile, among the treasures at Victor Mitchell's auction house, a Persian pattern floor rug was sold for €1,500, demonstrating the strong interest in fashion-and-beauty, home-and-garden, and travel items like these at such events.
