A host of treasures from Howl at the Moon and the Residence Club are to be sold in Ireland's largest-ever interiors auction next month.
The sale will take place at The Heritage Hotel, Killenard, Co. Laois, on March 12 and 13, and will feature a host of documentation from Clerys including the original cheques from the sale of shares in the historic department store building, plus a full set of portraits of former Taoisigh.
The 3,000-piece auction includes the entire contents of the exclusive Residence private members club on St. Stephen's Green and refurbished furniture from the iconic Shelbourne Hotel.
Also on sale will be giant chandeliers and Game of Thrones-style bronze doors from Dublin's Howl at the Moon nightclub.
The stock is being sold through a partnership with Cavan’s Victor Mee Auctions Ltd. by Niall Mullen, who last year held the biggest auction in the history of the State – the 14-hour disposal of the contents of the former Central Bank in Dame Street.
"There is a gorgeously opulent and eclectic look to the pieces from Howl at the Moon," said Mullen, who is selling the entire contents of the nightclub which was given an estimated €5 million fit out by publican Liam O'Dwyer in 2001.
"Howl's spectacular five-star furnishings include a two metre by two metre French chandelier, four full-size alabaster pillars, original works by artist Patrick O'Reilly, life-size bronze statues, two full-size bronze doors, a grand piano and a unique collection of Irish whiskey.
"The Clerys collection is of immense interest, as along with Denis Guiney’s original £241,000 cheque to purchase the entire share capital of Clery and Company in 1941. It includes old photographs, office journals and store record books going back 150 years.
"Also of interest are the 13 oil-painted portraits of Ireland's former Taoisigh by artist John Wilson.
"There is a beautiful selection of original refurbished furniture from the Shelbourne Hotel, and among the 150 pieces are some striking French bronze chandeliers.
"We also have the entire contents of the renowned private members club Residence, including the bars, mirrors, glassware and every item of their classic, yet contemporary, styled furniture.
"On the quirky side, we have a restored original Irish phone box from Westmeath and over 200 items of Irish folk and pub memorabilia."
Viewing of what is billed as the largest and most important interiors sale ever staged in Ireland, takes place in the Golf Club of the Heritage Hotel, Killenard, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 9-11, from 2-6pm.
Buyers who turn up in person for the auction on March 12 and 13 will get a special discount. The full catalogue of lots scheduled to hit the block are available to view in advance online at www.victormeeuctions.ie.
Remarking on the wide range of high-end pieces included in the sale from some of Ireland’s most iconic establishments, Auctioneer Victor Mee added, "With pieces from distinguished establishments including Residence, Howl at the Moon and Clerys included in the catalogue, there is certainly something for everyone in this auction, and we look forward to welcoming eager bidders for the two-day sale."
Mullen concluded, "Everything must go and there is no reserve, while we take absentee and online bids there is a special incentive for buyers who attend and purchase. They will get a three per cent discount on the normal 18 per cent auction buyers fee."
