Contents of Bishop’s House Newry to go under the hammer

Victor Mee Auctions is pleased to announce a spectacular auction this Spring.

Taking place over two days this February, ‘The Bishop’s House of Newry Contents Sale’ will see an array of splendid interiors and ecclesiastical articles go forward to auction, following the external sale of the regal property.

Though the Diocese of Dromore has been shaded by controversy in recent years, the magnificent contents of the Bishop’s House, consigned to Victor Mees for auction, remain unblemished and utterly stunning.

This exclusive, unrepeatable auction event, will see the team at Victor Mee Auctions bring forward an opulent catalogue of rare treasures, accumulated by the diocese over many years.

Ecclesiastical relics

Unsurprisingly, there is an exceptional collection of ecclesiastical items appearing in the catalogue, including a grand assortment of brass liturgical pieces; altar candle holders, crosses and an elegant lectern embossed with crosses and “IHS”.

A decanter, presented to Pope Pius IX on his sacerdotal jubilee by the town of Velletri, Italy, appears with great provenance.

Another top ecclesiastical lot featured is a very rare set of early 20th century stations of the cross. Vividly illustrated atop a white background, they are in incredible condition despite their age and are mounted in co-ordinated frames.

There is also a superb collection of 18th and 19th century artwork, including a depiction of the martyrdom of Saint Andrew.

One of Jesus’ 12 apostles, St Andrew was martyred by crucifixion in the early Christian period. According to tradition, he was condemned to die on an X-shaped cross, now known as the St Andrew’s Cross.

Incredible interiors

As sought after as these items are, The Bishop’s House of Newry Sale offers plenty more than clerical artefacts, with some unique and inimitable home interiors in the catalogue.

The Bishop’s House is a resplendent property, sitting on 27 acres, and the contents reflect this.

Some of the finest interior lots appearing include a rare William IV Italian marble console table, another console table with provenance from Tandragee Castle and a magnificent 12-foot dining table.

A pair of Scagliola marble columns also feature. The scagliola technique originated in Italy and was particularly popular in the 17th and 18th centuries and is often found in historic buildings such as this one, thanks to its intricacy and luxurious appearance. Each column measures over a metre tall and have a Dijon hue at the columns, based on a lighter stone pedestal.

Also appearing is a stunning and incredibly ornate gilt regency mirror by Jacksons of Essex Bridge, Dublin. This mirror is very similar to one bought by Waterford Treasures in 2016 for public display. It is elegant and quite illustrative of the elaborate design style popular in the 1800s.

Elegant exteriors

The catalogue for this sale also boasts a wonderful selection of garden pieces, including an extremely rare 19th century limestone sundial and a collection of 19th century stone troughs. In addition to their antiquity, these troughs have a timeless, weathered appearance that makes them highly sought after for decorative and landscaping purposes today.

Though still under formation, the catalogue for The Bishop’s House of Newry Contents Sale will be available to view online at www.victormeeauctions.ie where you can also register to bid.

The sale will take place over two days on Wednesday and Thursday, February 12 and 13 at The Mourne Country Hotel, Newry, from 6pm.

In-person viewing of the contents will be available on location at The Bishop’s House in Newry on Saturday and Sunday, February 8-9 and Monday, February 10, from 12-6pm.

Please contact the Victor Mee Auctions team for more information.

Call 047-55075 or Email: info@victormeeauctions.ie