Mammoth pre-Christmas interiors auction

The complete contents of Umgola House and Gardens in Co Armagh, as well as the retirement catalogue of Peter Derry, antique dealer, of Annaghmore, Portadown, are set to be auctioned off this month by Victor Mee Auctions.

Taking place over two days - on Wednesday, November 13 and Thursday, November 14 - the sale will see over 900 exquisite lots go under the hammer.

The magnificent Umgola House and Gardens is a Grade B listed Victorian era residence. Constructed in 1891, it has undergone some delicate extensions over the years but maintained most of its original features.

Set on seven acres, the stately home was, until its recent sale, the beloved residence of a local family. The rooms were framed by stained glass sash windows, parquet flooring and wood panelled walls and skilfully ornamented with gilded mirrors, chaise lounges, persian carpets, demi-lunes, tapestries, chests, chandeliers and a whole plethora more of sumptuous, timeless interiors.

The exclusive two-day auction event gives interested parties the chance to seize a fragment of this historical home and some really high-quality pieces.

The sale will also include specially selected lots from the untimely retirement of renowned Armagh based antiques dealer, Peter Derry.

Peter has been in the business for over 35 years and is a second generation antiques fanatic/dealer who has built an extraordinary reputation and an anthology of expertise over his impressive and expansive career.

“His uncanny eye for the crème de la crème of antiques and his business savvy along with his genial nature have all earned him high esteem within and outside of the antiques world,” says Victor Mee.

One of the top lots appearing is Lot 14 - a 19th century brass bound campaign chest stamped by Ross & Co Cabinet makers.

Many of their chests feature a clever folding superstructures or an unusual combination of drawers. A gorgeous mahogany chest, it is estimated at €800-€1,200.

Another unique and quite rare entry is Lot 244 - a Frank McKelvey Glenveigh, Donegal watercolour in a giltwood frame. Belfast native, McKelvey was an extremely highly regarded landscape artist of the 1900s. The painting of a beautiful Irish mountainous scene, in its classy slimline frame, goes to auction with an estimate of €600-€1,200.

Lot 256, meanwhile, is a whimsical, traditional and incredibly nostalgic rocking horse with leather seat by Stevenson Brothers England 1700 to 1995, estimated from €300 to €600.

The décor of a home like Umgola House would be remiss to exclude features like lot 304, a very classy and understated brass club fender with deep buttoned leather upholstered seat, estimated at between €1,500 and €2,500.

Keeping with the grandiose, lot 350 is a Victorian mahogany pedestal partners desk. Given away by its name, the partner’s desk was designed for two, making it a generous piece of furniture. This magnificent example boasts an inset leather top and six drawers in the frieze and is estimated in the region of €800 to €1,200.

Elsewhere, Lot 430 is an intricately designed Dutch walnut and satinwood inlaid display cabinet that screams old time class with two glazed doors above two blind doors. It is estimated at €400 to €600.

And if timeless practicality is your bag then lot 748 could be for you, with an Irish Georgian mahogany and ebonised breakfront bookcase that looms tall and ample with space aplenty for books and trinkets. It’s expected to go for between €1,500 and €2,500.

Lot 478 is a fantastic quality mahogany and brass inlaid hall bench with a pristine upholstered seat styled in the Regency manner and comes with an estimate of €500 to €700.

Speaking ahead of the sale, auctioneer Victor Mee added: “It’s unusual to have two very special consignments align themselves as they have here. There’s obviously no question as to the calibre of what has come from Umgola House. It’s a magnificent property and has produced an extraordinary catalogue of lots.

“And for the other side, Peter Derry’s retirement. As much as I’m sad to see it, it’s well earned. I’ve known Peter for many years and can attest that he’s a very genuine and well-respected man with a world of experience behind him. His entries to this auction certainly speak to that and I have no doubt that the lots here are going to create a buzz.”

The auction goes live online from 6:30pm. In-person viewing of the catalogue will take place from 12-5pm on Sunday, November 10 and Monday, November 11 at 19 Teady Road, Annaghmore, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 1NJ.

The full catalogue is also available to view online at www.victormeeauctions.ie