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We all know fast fashion is a huge issue, but why aren't more people talking about the rapidly growing fast-furniture problem?
Many of us have made lifestyle changes to help combat global warming - buying vintage clothes, eating less meat, taking public transport but what about the way we are furnishing our homes?
'Sustainability' is a word that has in recent times been batted around and used by many businesses, organisations, corporations etc. in an effort to persuade the public that their product, goals and/or policies are environmental. This 'Greenwashing' has been challenged time and time again by environmental activists; and while many businesses are making real efforts to move in the right direction, how many businesses are truly qualified to use the term legitimately?
In my view, the auction industry (chattel) is one of the few industries in the ever-expanding commercial world that can use 'sustainable' as a genuine descriptor. There are and will be exceptions, however the reason our industry in general qualifies is simply due to the long-established structure and built-in cycle of an auction house, which is by nature a 'circular economy'. As agents, we do not bring any new product to market. In fact, in my experience, we often sell the same items multiple times for and to different clientele, thus facilitating, feeding and driving sustainable purchasing behaviours amongst our buyers.
There is pride in being part of an inherently sustainable business, but there are of course always improvements to be made - no claims of perfection here! I do believe increasing engagement in auctions with new demographics is one great way our industry can contribute. With this in mind, in our last two 'At Home' interiors auction catalogues we published the following information:
'In 2019 the Environmental Protection Agency reported that each year in Ireland over 1.2 million reusable bulky items, primarily furniture, go into landfill. By buying antiques or second-hand furniture and furnishings at auction, not only are you acquiring well-made, quality pieces that are built to last, you are helping combat the rapidly-growing 'fast furniture' waste problem.'
Sustainability starts At Home - if you are curious, why not check out our upcoming auction?
'At Home' Auction, Tuesday 11th June
Viewing: Friday 7th - Monday 10th June at 26 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2
Enquiries: amymcnamara@adams.ie
Link to catalogue: https://lnkd.in/er88NSaQ
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John ffrench was an instrumental figure in the design industry in Ireland and a distinguished pioneer of Irish studio pottery.
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"I should declare my hand. I have a weakness for pictures that punch above their physical weight, and for artists who have been quietly underrated for too long. This pair is both. They are intimate enough to live with at close quarters and serious enough to repay any amount of looking. If the market has lately shown signs of catching up with eighteenth-century Irish painting and I think it has, these two small panels feel, to me, like exactly the sort of thing that will look obvious in twenty years’ time."
Adam’s is honoured to present works from the collection of Lord Rossmore in the upcoming Country House Collections auction at Howth Castle on 28th April. It is seldom that an influential Irish family collection that has survived through the generations comes to the open market.
Works Sold at Adam’s Now in the Irish National Collection
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
Irish author, recipe creator and lifestyle influencer, Indy Parsons, selects her favourite pieces from our upcoming Fine Jewellery & Watches auction
James Adam & Sons Ltd, Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers, 26 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2,
D02 X665, Ireland
