Janet Greeves grew up in the seaside town of Donaghadee, attending Glenlola Collegiate School in Bangor and Methodist College and Queen's University Belfast. After pursuing a career in England, Janet returned home to Northern Ireland to begin her antique jewellery business in Belfast's Donegall Pass. Janet was well known throughout the UK and Ireland on the antique fair circuit, often travelling armed with several glass cabinets filled with jewellery, silver and various interesting objects she had discovered to Dublin or further afield. From her well stocked shop in Greyabbey, she built a business that offered fine jewellery and antiques to customers from the village, across the UK and internationally.
Aside from being one of the most recognisable faces in the world of antiques, Janet was also a keen sportswoman, playing rugby for Sale in Manchester and basketball for Sporting Belfast and Ulster. She represented Northern Ireland regularly and successfully in the British Transplant Games and Great Britain in the World Transplant Games, winning a clutch of medals and gathering many friends on her journey through her sporting achievements. To all those who had the pleasure of knowing her, Janet was vivacious, kind, determined and exceptionally hard working.
Ross's in Belfast has received instructions to sell by auction Janet's personal collection of art, jewellery and antiques acquired over the past four decades, together with the residual contents of her shop. It is an eclectic mix of fine jewellery, period furniture, Irish silver, English porcelain and modern art bought by Janet on her many travels.
Highlights of the auction include the William Morris style carved oak hall cupboard with detailed brass strap hinges (estimate £1000-£1200), a William Conor drawing of a Belfast mill girl (estimate £900-£1100) and a Wedgwood Eric Ravilious 'Boat Race' pedestal bowl (estimate £1000-£1200).
The proceeds of this sale will be going to the charity Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund in appreciation of their support and commitment in helping people like Janet with kidney disease and supporting renal research in the Province.
