Mee’s set to host major advertising auction

An impressive range of antique advertising, pub memorabilia and collectibles go under the hammer at Victor Mee Auctions next week.

Taking place over two days on Tuesday and Wednesday August 19-20, the team at Cavan-based auction house will present a catalogue of almost 1000 lots in this exclusive online only auction.

It’s been a busy few months for Victor Mee having hosted a wildly popular annual garden sale in June followed by decorative interiors in July. Now they return to their roots with a mammoth catalogue of treasures.

Taking centre stage in this one are lots 456 through to 460B, embossed copper figures of musicians on painted boards that wear provenance from Slattery’s Pub on Capel Street, Dublin.

Slattery’s of Capel Street is one of Dublin’s most iconic pubs. Licensed since 1821 and steeped in history, music, and character. A renowned early house with striking Victorian architecture, Slattery’s has long been a gathering place for market traders, musicians, and storytellers alike. Over the years, it has welcomed the likes of Christy Moore, Donal Lunny and Seamus Ennis, becoming a beloved hub for Irish culture.

These unique figures with hand-drawn illustrations by celebrated Dublin artist Brian McCormack and striking copper work by John A. Brennan, are an embodiment of the cultural atmosphere of Slatterys, nodding to the parade of visiting musicians and performances that made the pub a focal point in Dublin’s traditional music scene. These original works are tied directly to both the artistic spirit of local creators and the rich heritage of one of Dublin’s most storied pubs.

Lot 456 is an embossed copper figure of a fiddle player, 457 a button accordionist, 458 is three figures; a bodhran player, a pip player and a tin whistle player. Lot 459 plays a concertina, 460 an banjo, 460A plays a fiddle and 460B plays the flute. All these striking figures go to auction with estimates of €300-€600 except for 458 which is estimated between €600-€800.

The catalogue is also rich with some superb pieces of antique advertising and pub memorabilia.

One of the stand out pieces is lot 43; a framed verre églomisé advertising mirror for “Bendigo Tobaccos”, produced for W. & M. Taylor Ltd., Dublin and manufactured by A. & H. Pemberton of Liverpool.

Featuring hand-gilded and reverse-painted lettering in rich red, gold, and cobalt blue, the mirror advertises the once-popular Bendigo brand in classic Art Nouveau style. These mirrors were made as luxury advertising pieces, often displayed in tobacconists, grocers, and public houses in the early 1900s.

Today, few examples survive in such well-preserved condition. For collectors of Irish advertising or pub memorabilia, this mirror offers a rare opportunity to acquire a striking and authentic piece of Dublin commercial history. It goes to auction with an estimate of €3000-€5000.

Moving away from signs, lot 853 is a late 19th century Hignett’s Reliable Cigarettes counter dispensing cabinet. Made from rich mahogany with original glass fronted display drawers and decorative arched pediment, it was oozes Victorian retail style and goes forward as a coveted piece of tobacciana, as decorative as it is historic and goes to auction with an estimate of €800-€1200.

Of course, what would an Irish advertising sale be without some appearances from the iconic Guinness brand?

Lot 486 is a set of twelve framed ‘The Gentle Art of Making Guinness’ advertising prints. This whimsical and highly collectible series was originally produced by Guinness in the mid-20th century under the creative direction of John Gilroy, the artist behind Guinness’s most iconic campaigns.

Measuring 47cm high, each print depicts a humorous and stylised scene illustrating one of the “gentle arts” involved in the brewing process, showcasing the light-hearted tone that reflects Guinness’s signature blend of tradition and wit. They go to auction as a complete set, with an estimate of €500-€800.

With almost 1,000 lots on offer in this treasure trove sale, there’s so much more that could be highlighted. The full catalogue is available to view on the Victor Mee Auctions website at www.victormeeauctions.ie

The August Advertising Sale takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 19-20, live online, from 6pm.