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In the auction world, the fall of the hammer often marks the beginning of a new chapter in a work’s life. In some cases, that chapter leads not to a private collection, but to a public one where the work is 'saved for the Nation' becoming part of Ireland’s shared cultural inheritance. Over the years, a number of exceptional pieces sold at Adam’s have been acquired by Irish national institutions, reflecting both their artistic importance and Adam’s longstanding role in bringing significant works to light and assisting National bodies in acquiring them.
Just last year two stunning pen, ink and watercolour works by celebrated Irish artist Harry Clarke, titled 'The Lady of the Decoration (1914)' and 'Faust (1924/25)' sold in the Important Irish Art auction, were acquired by the National Gallery of Ireland.
The Lady of the Decoration, is a masterful example of Clarke’s early illustrative work. Faust, produced a decade later, reflects a darker, more complex vision, inspired by Goethe’s timeless tale. They now hang in the Gallery forming part of the national collection and offering the public an opportunity to see Clarke’s brilliance on paper.
As the longest established auction house in Ireland, assisting with and facilitating acquisitions for National Institutions is an important part of our role as contributors to culture in Ireland, so when approached by a National Institution about an artwork we are happy to assist our clients with negotiations prior to the auction. In December 2025, a wonderful rediscovered masterpiece by Gabriele Ricciardelli was sold prior to auction to an Irish National Institution.
This panoramic view had previously been mis-attributed as being by the hand of William Ashford until it was examined by Stuart Cole, Adam's Managing Director, who recognised it as a work by Ricciardelli.
Italian-born painter Gabriele Ricciardelli spent much of his career in Ireland, producing atmospheric landscape views that document the country’s Georgian past. A View of Dublin Bay from Mount Merrion offers a rare and evocative glimpse of the capital in the 18th century.
The painting, having been acquired by an Irish national institution, serves both as a wonderful work of art and as an invaluable historical record of Dublin’s evolving landscape.
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You may have read more recently about the acquisition of the above portrait by Kathleen Fox by the National Gallery of Ireland. This painting was sold at Adam's in December 2024 and now hangs in Room 16 of the National Gallery.
Coincidently, the National Gallery recently announced the winner of the Sarah Cecilia Harrison Essay Prize 2025, Deirdre Kelly, who wrote an essay titled: ‘Kathleen Fox: Chronicler of Irish History’. You can read the announcement and the winning essay on the National Gallery of Ireland's website.
The Decorative Arts can be as culturally significant as painting or sculpture, the Blessington Commode is perhaps one of the most important examples of Irish craftsmanship to come on the market in decades. So much so, that this exceptional piece of furniture, notable for both its design and provenance, was purchased prior to auction at Adam’s by the National Musuem of Ireland in 2023.
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Its acquisition ensures the preservation of a rare and important object that speaks to Ireland’s decorative arts tradition and the skill of Irish makers working at the highest level.
These works highlight the breadth of material that has passed through Adam’s salerooms and have gone on to enrich Ireland’s national collections. Each acquisition reinforces the idea that auctions are not merely commercial events, but vital moments in the stewardship of cultural heritage.
At Adam’s, we are proud to have played a role in ensuring that these remarkable objects are preserved, studied and enjoyed by generations to come.
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A great opportunity to purchase both established and lesser-known artist’s work at an accessible price point, the Online Picture Auction is the first of many sales to be hosted at Adam’s in 2026. It is perfect for those looking to start a collection and the discerning collector alike.
Through this article, let our expert Adam Pearson guiding you to the (re)discovery of the once established Irish painter Richard O’Neill.
Buying at Auction and the Role of Antiques in a Modern Home
Important Irish Art Auction Highlights
Oliver Dowling Collection by Aidan Dunne
2024 is a year in which Adam’s wants to recognise the key role buying antique furniture and furnishings at auction contributes greatly to the sustainable initiative. In 2019 the Environmental Protection Agency reported stark figures that each year in Ireland 1.2 million reusable bulky items, primarily furniture goes into landfill. Similar to the problem of ‘fast fashion’, the constant production and consumption of new items is leading to rapidly growing waste problem. We want to acknowledge those who are already buying second hand or antique furniture at auction and to encourage new buyers by highlighting the benefits of acquiring affordable, well-made quality items that are built to last.
Irish author, recipe creator and lifestyle influencer, Indy Parsons, selects her favourite pieces from our upcoming Fine Jewellery & Watches auction
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Cork-born Irish actress, Sarah Greene, selects her favourite pieces from our upcoming Fine Jewellery & Watches auction
Yvonne Aupicq had met Orpen, we understand, while working as a nurse during the war. He had been admitted to hospital with a suspected case of scabies which ended up being a far more serious case of blood poisoning as he recounts in his wartime memoir ‘An Onlooker in France’. Their relationship continued after 1918 when Orpen was appointed as the official artist to The Paris Peace Conference. They relocated to capital and over the following decade he painted her numerous times, often nude as in Amiens 1914, or The Rape and Nude Girl Reading (1921). Working with her as his model during these early years after the war allowed Orpen an opportunity to re-fuel his creativity.
Editor-in-Chief of IMAGE Publications, Lizzie Gore-Grimes, selects her favourite pieces from our upcoming Fine Jewellery & Watches auction
Our upcoming Fine Jewellery & Watches auction on September 13th features a prime example of Van Cleef & Arpel's renowned 'Mystery Setting'
Our June auction offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire one of the great masterpieces of Irish art and icons of Dublin’s history.
Georgia Chiesa selects some of her favourite lots in the upcoming Vintage Wine & Spirits Auction
"Beating the bounds is a tradition that can be traced back to the medieval period. At this time, land was divided into parishes and the clergy and church wardens held the responsibility for its upkeep and management. It was up to the Church to ensure that its parishioners knew the local boundary lines and, before maps became commonplace, this had to be kept as a mental record."
Adam’s in conjunction with Suzanne MacDougald are proud to host an online timed auction of artworks to aid the Irish Red Cross’s humanitarian work in delivering vital services to millions of people impacted by the conflict in Ukraine. With no buyers premium 100% of the hammer price will go directly to the Irish Red Cross.
Ros Drinkwater writes of Jack B Yeats' 'The Boat' in the Business Post:
With a consolidated result of €320,000,the At Home sale in Stephan’s Green, was a great success.
James Adam & Sons Ltd, Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers, 26 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2,
D02 X665, Ireland
