Timeless fair for Irish Antique Dealers Association
Ireland’s largest selection of classic pieces that stand the test of time will be on show at Timeless, the Irish Antique Dealers’ Fair, which returns to Dublin’s RDS from September 15-17.
With a blend of contemporary and antique-focused exhibitors, Timeless allows all ages and tastes to explore and discover one-off, yet affordable, pieces that appeal to them.
From a rare bookcase design beloved and favoured by David Bowie and Karl Lagerfeld to a 400-year-old diamond ring that travelled the Silk Road, unique designs through the ages will be featured as the fair returns for the 56th time.
![A rare first edition Memphis Milano Carlton bookcase](https://antique-collecting.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Memphis-Milano-Carlton-bookcase-2.jpg)
“Each piece is unique and the real joy of Timeless is discovering that something different, the one magical piece that makes a home,” said Garret Weldon, President of the Irish Antique Dealers’ Association. “The best of the past is also best for the future, as our trade is the original sustainable industry and helps the planet through a reduction in manufacturing and waste. At Timeless it is all about love. Antique dealers love what they do, and they want you to have something you love too. And, from a customer’s perspective, there is nothing like seeing collections in person to really seek out that perfect treasure – the statement piece or the stunning gift.”
A 17th-century diamond ring, the oldest that has ever been handled by Dublin jeweller JW Weldon, will be spotlighted at the show. The English crafted ring, valued at €3,950, pre-dates the mining era and the stones would have been weathered from the earth and polished rather than cut. The diamonds would have been transported to England via the old Silk Road trade route as there was no shipping route.
“We are only one link in a chain that gets cast forward 50 or 60 years every time. In 100 or 200 years’ time, we’ll just be another link in the history of that piece,” said Garret Weldon.
The fair will feature many unusual statement items, including a rare first edition Memphis Milano Carlton bookcase which will be sold in Ireland for the first time by Acquired.
Breaking from all traditional materials and rules of design, the Carlton bookcase, valued at €17,000, was in the collections of fashion and rock icons such as David Bowie and Karl Lagerfeld, who were among the first to understand and acknowledge this ground-breaking design.
Designed by Ettore Sottsass for the Memphis Milano group, the bookcase for sale at Timeless once graced Florence palazzo and has been photographed for several famous interiors’ publications.