Once in a generation sale at Howth Castle

The final chapter in one family’s 800-year history with Howth Castle ends this week with the final sale of the treasured contents of the library at the Castle, managed by Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers.

The sale takes place over two days from tomorrow, Wednesday 22^nd to Thursday 23^rd September.

The sale of the much sought-after library contents is the most important literary sale to take place in Ireland for a generation, with several items of immense historical significance dating from the Gaisford-St Lawrence family’s 800-year residence at the castle.

Among the most prized items up for sale are the private correspondence of Thomas Gaisford, Dean of Christ Church, Oxford, which includes a vast archive of letters to Reverend John Henry Newman, later Cardinal, now Saint.

There is a vast collection of letters from five former British Prime Ministers which of enormous historical significance.

The most valuable item in the sale is a complete original copy of Ippolito Rosselini’s history of Egypt, including three volumes of magnificently illustrated plates. The entire collection is housed in a purpose-built mahogany cabinet. This museum-quality piece is believed to be the finest remaining piece in existence, a gift from the Duke of Northumberland.

Another marquee item is a complete collection of the Botanical Magazine from 1794 to 1983, which contains 10,750 hand-coloured illustrations. This is the only record of such a complete collection anywhere in the world today.

Commenting on the sale, George Mealy of Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers said; ‘’The items in this two-day sale reflects the full 800 years of the Gaisford St Lawrence’s residence at Howth Castle.

“For example, there is a magnificent collection of early 16^th century books in pristine condition, which are some of the earliest printed books to be found in Ireland and certainly the best preserved.

“The calibre of the collection is unmatched and continues right through to important items from the 20^th Century, including signed first edition copies of Winston Churchill books.’’

George went on to say; ‘’This is probably the most important literary sale to happen in my lifetime. Not only are there exceptionally rare and valuable items, there are also items of immense importance to Irish and British history that would be of interest to dozens of academic institutions.’’

The sale of the contents of the Library at Howth castle will take place over two days at The Marine Hotel in Sutton Cross and online on Wednesday 22^nd and Thursday 23^rd September, commencing at 10.30am each day.

To view the auction online or to arrange an appointment to view the contents at Howth Castle, please visit www.fonsiemealy.ie.