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Advice on how and what to pack for prospective voyagers in the 19th and 20thcenturies could be found detailed in various women’s journals, such as Harper’s Bazaar. For those who could afford it, a Louis Vuitton trunk could transport a full wardrobe with ease and care, and its recognisable monogrammed exterior pledged to any onlooker the affluence and style of its owner.
The Louis Vuitton travel trunk became a hallmark of travelling in style from its conceptualisation. Its debut in 1858 as the first flat-topped travel luggage demarcated a departure from the traditional domed-top style of travel trunks, whose curved tops encouraged water run-off. Vuitton’s innovative flat-topped luggage was made possible by a water-tight design and waterproof canvas material. The trunk remained sturdy yet became lighter, and its flat top made it stackable, allowing for an impressive economisation of space.
Up for sale in our next ‘At Home’ auction, taking place on Monday 27thNovember at 11am, are two early 20th century flat-topped travel trunks by Louis Vuitton. Lot 142 is a double wardrobe steamer trunk, its exterior featuring the iconic monogram print with stencil painted initials and blue painted lines, as well as original travel labels for ‘Rex Italian Line “Italia” Steamship Company’ and ‘Great Southern Railways to Knightsbridge.’ Its hinged top opens to reveal twin sections of hanging compartments, with extended hangers and removable privacy curtains, and a retailer’s label at the base: ‘Bought from Saks & Company Fifth Avenue, New York.’ Lot 141 is a smaller travel trunk, with a stamped and patented locks, carrying handles at each end, a canvas lined interior, and monogrammed fabric worn to exterior. The travel stickers and custom monograms supplements their value, integrating expert design with a personalised history.
The timeless design and expert craftsmanship of these trunks ensures their longevity as a stylish addition to any living room, as a coffee table or storage chest.
See our ‘Upcoming Auctions’ page for more information.
Written by Kitty Astor, November 2023
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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
