The 51st Annual Irish Antique Dealers Association (IADA) Fair takes place at the RDS in Dublin next weekend. Organisers expect over 15,000 visitors to attend the event, which they say will “combine contemporary design history with the best of Irish antiques”.

The chairman of the IADA, Adare, Co Limerick-based antiques dealer George Stacpoole said people come to the fair “to discover something different, that magical piece that can make a home”.

He said the items on sale by the IADA dealers from throughout Ireland have been “vetted before display”.

The fair is an opportunity to see a huge range of art and antiques – beautifully presented – from Ireland’s leading dealers all under one roof. It is traditionally popular with buyers who prefer the calm atmosphere to the stress and unpredictability of auctions.

The fair will also feature a programme of lectures by experts.

On Friday (September 23rd) at noon Julian Radcliffe of the Art Loss Register will discuss “Protecting Irish Heritage – Recovering Stolen Art and Antiques in Ireland.”

At 1pm, Robert O’Byrne’s topic is “Restoration Drama – Bring Irish Houses Back to Life”. At 2pm, Dr Patricia McCarthy’s talk is “Making the Right Impression – Country Houses in Georgian Ireland.”

At 3pm, Dr Claudia Kinmonth will discuss “Irish Country Furniture 1700-1950. Decoration and Display in the Traditional Farm Kitchen.”

On Saturday, September 24th, the lecture programme is: noon, “Niall Mullen and George Stacpoole in Conversation. Combining Antiques with 20th Century Pieces.” At 1pm, Virginia Teehan, “The Centenary of the Honan Chapel, Jewel in the Crown of Irish Arts and Crafts Movement.” At 2pm, Carleton Varney – “Decoration Around Your Personality. From Dromoland Castle 1962 to the Present.” (see story Page 3). At 4pm, Phyllis McNamara – “Jewels of Love and Marriage.”

The lecture programme for Sunday (September 25th) is: noon, Dr Tom Sinsteden, member of the antique plate committee, Dublin Assay Office – “Fakes and Forgeries of Irish Silver.” At 1pm, George Williams – “Irish Furniture and the Creation of Class.”

At 2pm, James Harbourne, senior warden – “The Company of Goldsmiths of Dublin 1637- 2016.” At 3pm, Andrew O’Connor – “My Grandfather, the Controversial Sculptor Andrew O’Connor 1847-1941.”

At 4pm, Cathryn Day Carrigan – “Gilding and Establishing Authenticity of Original Frames.”

Apart from the antiques dealers, other exhibitors at the fair include The Dublin Company of Goldsmiths, established by royal charter in 1637 and still in existence. It controls the Assay Office at Dublin Castle which oversees the quality standards and hallmarking in Ireland of gold, silver and platinum used in the manufacture of jewellery and decorative items.

The Minister for Trade, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, recently visited the Dublin Assay Office and applied the first Irish laser hallmark to a silver bowl made by Seamus Gill, the noted Irish silversmith, that will be on display. The bowl is now in the collection of The Company of Goldsmiths of Dublin.

The laser hallmark can be applied to any article of precious metal, and is suited to small or delicate items..

Admission to the fair at the Main Hall in the RDS from September 23rd-25th is €10. It can be paid at the door.