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Story Notes
‘Victor Mitchell’s’ Auction House in Roscrea, Co Tipperary is widely respected amongst ‘those that know’. And in this documentary, we get to know a few things about the business.
Capturing the sense of drama in the lead up to and the day of the Auction, we follow a Georgian grandfather clock and a Victorian bed from South to North, and the journey of a beautifully crafted model steam engine and two giant granite lions as they move from Kerry to Galway.
We dip into the history of the business itself and the characters behind it. Victor Mitchell’s daughter, Louise is now taking the mantle and with her passion for life in the Auction rooms, she seems certain to be a safe pair of hands for the Gavel.
A collection of clocks. Will they stay together? Duelling pistols from the 1790s, who will win? And a Clavichord piano from 1825 a most unusual instrument basically a harp perched on top of a piano who will want this rusting, clanging piece of musical history?
Dealers, locals, buyers and sellers will travel from far and wide to listen and watch as the lots come and go. The etiquette is formal yet personal a tension with expectation.
And for some a concern at the destination of much loved but now discarded items.
To which room shall the rocking horse return?
And ultimately, can it ever belong to anyone other than the 8 year old Dublin Girl who saddled it first in 1910?
Compiled and presented by Michael O'Kane
Broadcast 2005
An Irish radio documentary from RTÉ Radio 1, Ireland - Documentary on One - the home of Irish radio documentaries
Story Credits