A family run auction house – with established expertise in pub memorabilia and vintage advertising – has been entrusted with finding the newest owner of two pieces of significant 19th century Irish pub history originating from County Armagh.
Amongst the lots appearing on the auction block at the upcoming Wilson’s Yard Sale, which will take place online on Wednesday and Thursday March 18 – 19, is a stunning example of public house heritage as the complete bar counter and back fitting from one of Armagh’s oldest licensed premises, Portadown’s West End Bar, will go to the highest bidder.
Offered with its original snug and crafted in richly toned hardwood, the installation is anchored by a remarkable back bar which incorporates six fully functioning liquor casks, an increasingly scarce survivor of traditional Irish public house design.
This fully realised hospitality setting offers immediate character and authenticity to the likes of boutique hotels, destinations restaurants, whiskey bars, or private members’ clubs and is estimated to bring up to €80,000 at auction.
Commenting on the provenance of this outstanding piece Bryan Mee of Victor Mee Auctions said: “This lot truly captures the essence of historic Irish social culture, when the pub operated as both meeting place and marketplace.
“Combining strong local provenance with architectural presence and functional rarity, the bar and counter back serve as a museum-quality example of Ireland’s licensed
trade heritage.”
An iconic piece of pub advertising history will also accompany the West End Bar fittings in the form of a monumental late-19th-century advertising mirror, produced in 1872 by noted maker William W.
Cleland and commissioned to promote Castle Bellingham Ales and Stouts. Measuring an extraordinary eight feet wide by four feet high, it ranks among the largest known examples of Cleland’s work and has miraculously survived a rich life adorning the West End Bar.
Embellished with period lettering and decorative flourishes, the mirror is both a striking work of Victorian craftsmanship and a nod to Ireland’s brewing history and is suited as a statement back-bar focal point, reception feature, or signature wall installation within a hospitality setting.
The scale and craftsmanship of this mirror offer dramatic and visual impact, whilst reinforcing authentic heritage credentials. As a one-of-a-kind piece, estimated to sell for upwards of €50,000, this mirror offers collectors and hospitality venues an opportunity to acquire a centrepiece that embodies the enduring character of the Irish public house tradition.
In a time where atmosphere defines guest experience, few pieces can rival the combined scale, provenance, and branding potential of this remarkable mirror.
Trading continuously since the 19th century, The West End Bar in Portadown was once in close proximity to the thriving Portadown Pork Market and would have served as an anchor point to life in the bustling market town.
Commenting on the rare opportunity to bring these unique pieces of Irish pub history to auction, Auctioneer Victor Mee said: “Given the rarity of these lots which have
endured over 150 years of vibrant pub life, we expect interest to come from across the Island of Ireland and perhaps further afield on both the West End Bar and Castle Bellingham Ales and Stouts lots.
“We believe the winning bidder will be someone who understands the rarity and value of these pieces, who holds an appreciation for the history they would have seen, and who has an establishment that can accommodate its scale.”
These lots feature in Victor Mee Auction’s upcoming ‘Wilson’s Yard’ sale which will take place online from 2pm on Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th March.
In addition to these iconic lots, bidders will also have the chance to bid on remaining inventory from one of Ireland’s most established names in architectural salvage and reclaimed materials Wilson’s Yard as owns Geoff and Rosy Wilson gear up for retirement.
The sale will feature an extensive and eclectic selection of architectural antiques, reclaimed building materials, fireplaces, decorative interiors and outdoor features. In-person viewings will take place March 13 – 16, at Wilson’s Yard, 123 Hillsborough Road, Dromore, County Down.
For more information and to view the full sale catalogue visit www.victormeeauctions.ie
