Salvage and Auction Opportunities for Designers and Collectors

Antique shops, auction rooms, and salvage yards remain vital resources for film and theatre set designers seeking period-specific furniture and décor. While dedicated prop-hire companies now exist, antique dealers continue to profit from renting out unique pieces. Interior designers and those curating spaces like restaurants, cafes, hotels, and Airbnbs also frequently find value in auction finds. Several upcoming auctions in Ireland and the UK present opportunities for both commercial and private buyers.

Wilson’s Yard Architectural Salvage Auction

An online auction of architectural salvage and design items from Wilson’s Yard in Dromore, Co Down, will take place on March 18th and 19th. Geoff and Rosy Wilson established their business over 40 years ago, initially focusing on reclaimed pine floors and Victorian fireplaces. Over time, they expanded to importing items, including a dismantled railway station from Romania, chandeliers from Paris, and oak timber from Amish barns in Pennsylvania.

The auction, conducted by Victor Mee, features 1,200 lots, ranging from garden furniture to custom-made pieces using reclaimed materials. Notable items suitable for film sets include a clock tower, estimated at €10,000-€20,000, believed to have originated in Spitalfields Market in London, and an Irish Georgian bronze bell, valued at €6,000-€12,000. A 1935 cast iron red telephone box (€2,000-€4,000) and an 1872 mirror made by William W Cleland to promote Castle Bellingham Ales & Stouts (€30,000-€50,000) are also featured.

With the sale of their property on Hillsborough Road, the Wilsons are retiring. Although, Wilson’s Yard will continue operating from another location on Mossvale Road, Dromore, with existing staff.

Viewing for the Victor Mee online auction is scheduled from March 13th to March 16th at Wilson’s Yard, 123 Hillsborough Road, Dromore. More information can be found at wilsonsyard.com and Victormeeauctions.ie.

Mullens Laurel Park Auction

Mullens in Laurel Park, Bray, Co Wicklow, holds a monthly online auction popular with designers and those renovating period houses. The upcoming timed online auction, ending March 1st at 6pm, includes a variety of mahogany chests, bookcases, tables, and wardrobes, many estimated between €200 and €400. Prints and inexpensive artworks are also available.

Standout items include two hardwood and brass-bound camphor wood trunks (estimates €440-€600 and €200-€300), an Art Deco-style cherrywood and brass-bound campaign-style drinks cabinet (€1,200-€1,800), and a set of four stained wood circular folding tables (€200-€300). Quirky items like two cast iron doorstops (€80-€120), a Victorian hot-water watering can (€60-€80), and a continental gilt brass and cut-glass centre hanging light (€150-€250) are also featured. More details are available at Mullenslaurelpark.com.

Recent Auction Results

Recent auction results include:

• Achill Island by Grace Henry: €10,000 (Estimate: €12,000-€15,000) – Sheppards
• What Lies Beneath by Gerard Davis: €320 (Estimate: €400-€600) – Sheppards
• Untitled work by Guggi: €2,700 (Estimate: €1,500-€2,000) – Morgan O’Driscoll
• Last photograph taken of Oscar Wilde on his death bed: £279,800 (€320,000) (Estimate: £2,000-£3,000) – Bonhams