907
French Bateau Bed, exhibition piece from the Exposition Universelle—The Paris World’s Fair, 1878.
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Description
French Bateau Bed, exhibition piece from the Exposition Universelle—The Paris World’s Fair, 1878. Third quarter of the 19th century. With Provenance to Oscar Wilde. A richly carved walnut and ebonised bateau bed. This bed, like the Davenport desk, was also removed from Oscar Wilde’s house,16 Tite Street, by Mortimer Menpes prior to the auction of April 24th, 1895. It was originally purchased by Lady Wilde (Oscar Wilde’s mother) during a visit to Paris in 1878. Believed to have been acquired at the Exposition Universelle—the Paris World’s Fair of that year—the bed reflects the grandeur and decorative exuberance of mid-late 19th-century French design. The headboard is surmounted by an exquisitely carved coat of arms for the city of Paris, featuring the city's crest—a ship and three fleur-de-lis—topped by a coronet and framed by an oak branch with detailed leaves and acorns on one side, and a finely rendered stem of laurel on the other. Below this, a flowing scroll bears the Parisian motto Fluctuat nec mergitur (“[She] is rocked by the waves, but does not sink”), a symbolic and poetic touch befitting the Wilde family’s taste for art, symbolism, and continental flair. As introduced in the description of the Davenport desk, the auction catalogue of 16 Tite Street offers subtle yet telling evidence of the efforts made by Wilde’s friends to preserve his belongings ahead of the court-ordered sale. Although the house was relatively large, with five bedrooms listed, only one of these rooms in the catalogue actually contains a bed, a French brass bed. The absence of any other beds, wardrobes, or personal furnishings in the remaining bedrooms suggests deliberate removal, likely carried out discreetly by those close to Wilde in an attempt to protect items of sentimental or monetary value from public dispersal. This silent purging underscores the quiet loyalty of his circle, who sought to shield what remained of Wilde’s domestic and artistic life in the face of public disgrace. The bed is an elaborate example of mid-late 19th-century French cabinet making, richly carved in walnut and ebonised wood with neoclassical motifs throughout. The base frieze features a central urn, flanked symmetrically by opposing griffins and hoho birds, exotic and stylised, with flowing scrollwork and foliage linking the composition. The upright front pillars are similarly adorned with carved urns and intricate scrolling foliage, creating a sense of visual rhythm and classical harmony. Each of the four corner pillars is surmounted by a boldly carved, stylised acanthus finial, further enhancing the bed’s architectural presence and sculptural richness. Furthermore, the bed features ebonised foliate-carved spandrels at the junction between the upright front pillars and the frieze Having supported Oscar Wilde financially during his years of hardship, Mortimer Menpes assumed ownership of the bed—transitioning it from a personal belonging of Wilde’s to a valued piece in his own collection. Menpes first installed both the bed and the Davenport desk at his London residence, 25 Cadogan Gardens, before moving them to his country house, Iris Court in Pangbourne, Berkshire, where they remained part of his private collection until his death in 1938. Lady Wilde (1821-1896), born Jane Francesca Elgee (Wexford, Ireland), was a poet, nationalist, and social figure known by her pen name "Speranza." A formidable intellect and advocate for Irish independence, she was also a prominent salon hostess in both Dublin and London, whose influence deeply shaped Oscar Wilde’s literary and cultural sensibilities. Lady Wilde first introduced Oscar to Paris during a trip they took together in 1874, when he was just 20 years old. The bed would have held deep sentimental value for Oscar—more intimately, the bed represents continuity between Oscar and his mother, Lady Wilde, a powerful influence in his life. It served not only as a physical object within his home, but also as a tangible link to his upbringing, his family’s aspirations, and their shared embrace of European culture and decorative arts. Preserved by Mortimer Menpes, the bed stands as a symbol of loyalty, memory, and the effort to protect what remained of Wilde’s domestic and artistic legacy. Provenance: By direct descent to the present vendor. Mr. Edmund Joyce 2025
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French Bateau Bed, exhibition piece from the Exposition Universelle—The Paris World’s Fair, 1878. Third quarter of the 19th century. With Provenance to Oscar Wilde. A richly carved walnut and ebonised bateau bed. This bed, like the Davenport desk, was also removed from Oscar Wilde’s house,16 Tite Street, by Mortimer Menpes prior to the auction of April 24th, 1895. It was originally purchased by Lady Wilde (Oscar Wilde’s mother) during a visit to Paris in 1878. Believed to have been acquired at the Exposition Universelle—the Paris World’s Fair of that year—the bed reflects the grandeur and decorative exuberance of mid-late 19th-century French design. The headboard is surmounted by an exquisitely carved coat of arms for the city of Paris, featuring the city's crest—a ship and three fleur-de-lis—topped by a coronet and framed by an oak branch with detailed leaves and acorns on one side, and a finely rendered stem of laurel on the other. Below this, a flowing scroll bears the Parisian motto Fluctuat nec mergitur (“[She] is rocked by the waves, but does not sink”), a symbolic and poetic touch befitting the Wilde family’s taste for art, symbolism, and continental flair. As introduced in the description of the Davenport desk, the auction catalogue of 16 Tite Street offers subtle yet telling evidence of the efforts made by Wilde’s friends to preserve his belongings ahead of the court-ordered sale. Although the house was relatively large, with five bedrooms listed, only one of these rooms in the catalogue actually contains a bed, a French brass bed. The absence of any other beds, wardrobes, or personal furnishings in the remaining bedrooms suggests deliberate removal, likely carried out discreetly by those close to Wilde in an attempt to protect items of sentimental or monetary value from public dispersal. This silent purging underscores the quiet loyalty of his circle, who sought to shield what remained of Wilde’s domestic and artistic life in the face of public disgrace. The bed is an elaborate example of mid-late 19th-century French cabinet making, richly carved in walnut and ebonised wood with neoclassical motifs throughout. The base frieze features a central urn, flanked symmetrically by opposing griffins and hoho birds, exotic and stylised, with flowing scrollwork and foliage linking the composition. The upright front pillars are similarly adorned with carved urns and intricate scrolling foliage, creating a sense of visual rhythm and classical harmony. Each of the four corner pillars is surmounted by a boldly carved, stylised acanthus finial, further enhancing the bed’s architectural presence and sculptural richness. Furthermore, the bed features ebonised foliate-carved spandrels at the junction between the upright front pillars and the frieze Having supported Oscar Wilde financially during his years of hardship, Mortimer Menpes assumed ownership of the bed—transitioning it from a personal belonging of Wilde’s to a valued piece in his own collection. Menpes first installed both the bed and the Davenport desk at his London residence, 25 Cadogan Gardens, before moving them to his country house, Iris Court in Pangbourne, Berkshire, where they remained part of his private collection until his death in 1938. Lady Wilde (1821-1896), born Jane Francesca Elgee (Wexford, Ireland), was a poet, nationalist, and social figure known by her pen name "Speranza." A formidable intellect and advocate for Irish independence, she was also a prominent salon hostess in both Dublin and London, whose influence deeply shaped Oscar Wilde’s literary and cultural sensibilities. Lady Wilde first introduced Oscar to Paris during a trip they took together in 1874, when he was just 20 years old. The bed would have held deep sentimental value for Oscar—more intimately, the bed represents continuity between Oscar and his mother, Lady Wilde, a powerful influence in his life. It served not only as a physical object within his home, but also as a tangible link to his upbringing, his family’s aspirations, and their shared embrace of European culture and decorative arts. Preserved by Mortimer Menpes, the bed stands as a symbol of loyalty, memory, and the effort to protect what remained of Wilde’s domestic and artistic legacy. Provenance: By direct descent to the present vendor. Mr. Edmund Joyce 2025
Chatsworth Summer Fine Art Sale
Sale Date(s)
Lots: 1-599
Lots: 600-1152
Venue Address
The Old Cinema
Chatsworth Street
Castlecomer
Co. Kilkenny
R95 XV05
Ireland
Recommended Shipping Companies to assist you with Collection and Shipment:
We recommend the following Shipping Companies to assist you with collection and shipment.
Please contact them directly to obtain shipping cost quote, delivery schedule, etc.
All shipment / delivery undertaken at the Purchaser's risk and Expense.
For; Paintings ,Books & Manuscripts :
Mail Boxes Etc ,Dublin. Tel. 01.6710400 Email info@mbedublin2.com
Pack and Send Belfast . Tel ; +44 (0) 2890 219003 Email belfasteast@packsend.co.uk
Callanan Couriers Email: info@callanancouriers.ie
Mob: 0863881072 | 0862545191 Dublin Area Only
Tony Buggy - 087-9195755, Cork / Limerick Area Only
For Larger Items.
Oldcastle Transport Limited
oldcastletransportltd@gmail.com
Tel; 087.7987784
Tel: +353 (0)57 87 36596
Web: www.MovingHome.ie E-mail: info@movinghome.ie
Carlyle Fine Art Services ; Dublin. Tel; 087.2890898 Email david@davidcarlyle.ie
Transpro Logistics. Dublin. Tel. 085.1019211 Email. info@transproirl.com
Important Information
To include :The Patrick ( Pat) Walsh, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, Collection, Items purchased at Carton House, Co. Kildare, Dispersal Sale, Items from a branch of the Butler Family of Kilkenny and Tipperary, The Collection of Phyllis & Michael Arnold, Northern Ireland, The Val Dillon, Collection, Dublin, and Important Collections & Property from other Stately Homes, Executors and Private Estates.
Quality Furniture, Paintings, Irish & International Art, Ceramics, Fine Selection of Objet d'Art, Light Fittings, Silver and Silver Plateware, Gold Jewellery, Oriental Ceramics & Art, Rugs, Carpets & Tapestries, & Other Collectibles, etc.
Pre-Sale Condition Reports will not be provided on Multiple-Item lots of Silverware, Porcelain, Glassware, or on lots with an estimate below € 250 Euro. All such lots are sold " as is and with all faults "
SPECIAL CONDITION REGARDING PURCHASES OF GOLD, SILVER AND JEWELLERY LOTS.
ALL SUCH LOTS MUST BE PAID FOR BY DIRECT BANK TRANSFER OR THROUGH THE 3D SECURE CARD PAYMENT FACILITY ATTACHING TO YOUR INVOICE, PRIOR TO RELEASE & SHIPMENT. WE WILL NOT ACCEPT CARD PAYMENTS OVER THE TELEPHONE OR BY EMAIL FOR SUCH ITEMS. ALL OVERSEAS ( INCLUDING U.K. ) CARD PAYMENTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO A CLEARANCE PERIOD OF TEN WORKING DAYS, PRIOR TO RELEASE & SHIPMENT.
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SPECIAL CONDITION REGARDING PURCHASES OF GOLD, SILVER AND JEWELLERY LOTS.
ALL SUCH LOTS MUST BE PAID FOR BY DIRECT BANK TRANSFER OR THROUGH THE 3D SECURE CARD PAYMENT FACILITY ATTACHING TO YOUR INVOICE, PRIOR TO RELEASE & SHIPMENT. WE WILL NOT ACCEPT CARD PAYMENTS OVER THE TELEPHONE OR BY EMAIL FOR SUCH ITEMS. ALL OVERSEAS ( INCLUDING U.K. ) CARD PAYMENTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO A CLEARANCE PERIOD OF TEN WORKING DAYS, PRIOR TO RELEASE & SHIPMENT.
PSRA Number 001687
Catalogue Abbreviations : Paintings, Prints, Works of Art, Furniture, etc.
The first name or names and surname of the Artist or Craftsman: In our opinion a work by the Artist of Craftsman. Attributed to: In our opinion probably a work by the Artist or Craftsman but less certainty as to authorship is expressed than in the preceding category.
Studio of: In our opinion a work that may have been executed in whole or in part by the artist's hand. Circle of: In our opinion a work of the period of the Artist or Craftsman that is in a similar style to the work of that Artist or Craftsman.
The surname of the Artist or Craftsman, preceded by “After”: In our opinion, a copy of the work of the artist or craftsman.
Signed – Stamped: Has a signature or stamp, which in our opinion is the signature or stamp of the artist or craftsman.
Bears Signature or Stamp: Has a signature or stamp, which in our opinion might be the signature or stamp of the artist or craftsman.
Dated: Is so dated and in our opinion was executed at about that date.
Bears Date: Is so dated and in our opinion may have been executed at about that date.
Abbreviations
O.O.C. Oils on Canvas O .O.P. Oils on Panel
O.O.B. Oils on Board W/C Watercolour
GOU Gouache MAH. Mahogany
VICT. Victorian ED W. Edwardian
W.A.F. With all faults As Is With all damages, faults, restorations, etc.
S.N.S.R. Sold not subject to return..
O.R.M. Of recent manufacture,
Catalogue Abbreviations ; Books and Manuscripts
mls Manuscript Letters signed
als Autographed Letters signed
acs Autographed Cards signed
pb Paperback
a.e.g. All edges gilt
t.e.g Top edge gilt
w.a.f. With all faults
As is With all damages , faults, restorations.
As a lot With all faults , As is
L.S.s Library stamps
S.N.S.R. Sold not subject to return
Publ. Published
f.e.p. Front end paper
mor Morocco
n.d. No date
n.p. No place
d.j. Dust jacket
L.P. Large paper
h.m.p. Hand made paper
vell. Vellum
hf. Half
d.w.s. Dust wrappers
I.M.C. Irish M/ss Commission
A.M.S Armorial motif on spine
cont. Contemporary
n.a.t. Not affecting text
frontis Frontispiece
engd. Engraved
cold. Coloured
hd. Hand
port. Portrait
N.B.: Please note the auctioneers offer no After Sale Guarantee
whatsoever, with regard to mechanical and electrical items, or
firearms. We accept no subsequent liability for any damage, loss or
injury arising from the use of the foregoing.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
We recommend that any prospective buyer views lots prior to purchase or has a representive do this on his/her behalf. Any condition report given by the auctioneer prior to auction is based on an opinion and should not be taken as a definitive statement of fact.
Any subsequent issues or disputes arising, based on condition reports given prior to auction, will not be entertained.
Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers reserve the right to withdraw or adjust any lot prior to the auction without notice. Any such lots so affected will be announced on the auction day. The auctioneer reserves the right to decline bidding from any prospective bidder.
N.B. All lots purchased are held, pending collection, at the buyer's risk from the fall of the auction hammer.
While the auctioneer endeavours to answer clients enquiries, we accept no responsibility or liability for any inaccuracy in auction results given verbally during the sale days.
We recommend that clients should only make such enquiries following the conclusion of the Sale.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING CONDITION REPORTS
All property is sold “as is”, with all faults, without any representation or warranty of any kind by Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers or the seller. Buyers are responsible for satisfying themselves concerning the condition of the property and the matters referred to in the catalogue entry.
All statements by Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers made orally or in writing elsewhere, are statements of opinion and are not to be relied on as statements of fact. Such statements do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers of any kind. References in the catalogue entry or the condition report to damage or restoration are for guidance only and should be evaluated by personal inspection by the bidder or a knowledgeable representative. The absence of such a reference does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of any others. Estimates of the selling price should not be relied on as a statement that this is the price at which the item will sell or its value for any other purpose. All measurements are approximate.
In the case of Wines and Spirits, Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers do all that is possible to indicate the accuracy of levels. Such levels may change between cataloguing and sales. A risk of cork failure must be taken into account by any potential buyer. The Auctioneers will not entertain any price negotiation or return of purchases nor will substitutes be provided in the case of breakage or error of description. Labels may invariably be stained or torn. Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers reserve the right to open original cases prior to sale to describe levels and condition.
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A specific Permit or Licence must be produced relating to the Firearm purchased, before same can be removed from our Premises. Please contact your local Gardai.
The shipping of antique firearms and weapons to destinations, particularly outside of the E.U., requires compliance with the stringent regulations governing such. We recommend that intending purchasers seek guidance from our designated shipping company as to these issues , Mail Boxes Etc ,Dublin, Tel. 01.6710400 info@mbedublin 2.com or Pack and Send Belfast Tel ; +44 (0) 2890 219003 Email belfasteast@packsend.co.uk
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Lots subject to C.I.T.E.S. cannot be sold to buyers based in countries outside the Europoean Union ( E.U. ) Permission to export such items outside of the E.U. is very restricted / most probably unobtainable.
From time to time digital equipment is used to dispaly items for sale at auction.This service is merely a reminder to the customer of items previously viewed during view days.
We do not guarantee the quality of the item viewed, the accuracy of the the digital image or guarantee the item on display is the item being sold. Disputes arising as a result of digital image display will not be entertained.
Live bidding is subject to occasional interruption and loss of connection and audio / digital image streaming. These are technical issues beyond the auctioneers control, We accept no responsibility for any bids missed, placed in error, or omitted as a result of the foregoing.
Limited Collection available on sale days .
From 9.30 am to 5.30 pm on subsequent weekdays. No collections available at Weekends and/or Bank Holidays
We request that all purchases be collected by Friday, 27th June, 2025.
Overseas purchasers are requested to arrange collection and shipment as soon as possible, and by no later than Friday, 27th June , 2025.
We recommend the following Shipping Companies to assist you with collection and shipment.
Please contact them directly to obtain shipping cost quote, delivery schedule, etc.
All shipment / delivery undertaken at the Purchaser's risk and Expense.
For; Paintings ,Books & Manuscripts :
Mail Boxes Etc ,Dublin. Tel. 01.6710400 Email info@mbedublin2.com
Pack and Send Belfast . Tel ; +44 (0) 2890 219003 Email belfasteast@packsend.co.uk
Callanan Couriers Email: info@callanancouriers.ie
Mob: 0863881072 | 0862545191 Dublin Area Only
Tony Buggy - 087-9195755, Cork / Limerick Area Only
For Larger Items.
Oldcastle Transport Limited
oldcastletransportltd@gmail.com
Tel; 087.7987784
Tel: +353 (0)57 87 36596
Web: www.MovingHome.ie E-mail: info@movinghome.ie
Carlyle Fine Art Services ; Dublin. Tel; 087.2890898 Email david@davidcarlyle.ie
Transpro Logistics. Dublin. Tel. 085.1019211 Email. info@transproirl.com
