Ross's are delighted to offer the surplus contents from two old Ulster Houses.
Ashbrook and Hollybrook are both undergoing refurbishment and so an opportunity has arisen for the public to buy a piece of history or just a memento from one of these historic homes.
Ashbrook has been the home of the Beresford-Ash family since the mid-16th century and the family have had a long association with the city and county of Derry for over four centuries. Amongst the items on offer are a pair of 18th century engravings of the Giants Causeway - lot 132, a Russian porcelain tea service bought back from St. Petersburg in the 19th century - lot 126, an Edwardian doll's house - lot 182, Japanese and Chinese ceramics - lot 416, Lalique glass - lot 8, Georgian silver, militaria, some early 19th century furniture and a large quantity of decorative and domestic glass and porcelain together with assorted country house collectibles.
Hollybrook, County Antrim has been in the same family for over half a century after a move in the 1970's from their previous home, Castle Grove outside Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. The bulk of the items on offer here have a provenance to that house and the Grove family. Many things in the sale were never unpacked and have remained in tea chests for over forty years. The Grove family married into the Brooke family in the early 19th century and much of the silver and plate bears the crest for both families at the time of that union. There are a pair of fine Old Sheffield tea trays bearing both crests - lot 339, a fine George IV Irish silver tea service bearing the Brooke crest only - lot 468, plus a large collection of other early silver (mostly Irish) relating to both families. Nearly all the furniture on offer has come from Castle Grove, as has the magnificent complete Japan pattern ironstone dinner service dating to 1820 - lot 300. The family have close connections with the dukes of Abercorn at Baronscourt and a number of pieces come from that side of the family. Of particular note is the small collection of Belleek porcelain collected by Katherine, Duchess of Abercorn - lot 260. As far as possible the various origins will be highlighted in the online catalogue.
To summarise, there should be something in the sale for all pockets and tastes. It is a rare opportunity to acquire a piece from one of these fine old Ulster homes.
