Stunning decor salvaged from Titanic's sister ship for auction in Dublin

The paneling from two luxurious staterooms on Titanic’s sister ship, the Britannic, will take center stage at an historic two-day auction in Ireland on May 1-2.

Rediscovered after their use in a Dublin city-center cinema until 1972, both the paneling from the first-class lounge and the second-class library are expected to achieve sums north of €200,000 ($225,000) each.

The auction at the Heritage Hotel in Killenard is the latest of the Signature Auctions from Niall Mullen who held the biggest auction in the history of the State – the 14-hour disposal of the contents of the Central Bank.

“These pieces are identical to the designs used on the Titanic. They cannot be replicated, either for their historical value or their ornate craftsmanship. They are a truly significant nautical find of world importance,” said Mullen.

Launched in 1914, two years after the ill-fated voyage of her sister ship, RMS Titanic, the HMHS Britannic was intended to be superior to her tragic twin in every way.

But World War One intervened, and in 1915 she was requisitioned as a hospital ship and fittings were removed. 

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The Britannic as a hospital ship

Just one year later, while on her way to collect troops wounded in the Balkans campaign, she fell victim to a mine laid by a German U-boat and tragically sank in the middle of the Aegean Sea.

There her wreck lay, at a depth of 400 feet, until it was discovered 59 years later by legendary explorer Jacques Cousteau. 

The Britannic’s stored luxurious furniture and fittings were auctioned in Belfast in 1919 and ornate carved wood paneling from both the first-class lounge and second-class library were used to adorn the La Scala Theatre and Opera House in Dublin, which later became the Capitol Cinema.

They remained in place until the building’s demolition in 1972, when it made way for what is now Penneys, and the paneling was installed in a private individual’s residence near Dublin.

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Britannic maple paneling

Manufactured by Harland and Wolff in Belfast, the paneling was carved to a design by Arthur Henry Durand which matches the fittings installed in the Titanic and Olympic and features the ship number and paneling number on the reverse of each piece.

Durand also assisted in the design work on the Eiffel Tower. 

“The first-class lounge paneling, framed in richly carved polished oak in a Louis XV style, has a guiding price of €250,000 - €350,000,” said Niall Mullen.

“The oak had been seasoned for at least 35 years before manufacture, dating it back at least to 1877. 

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Britannic oak paneling

“The second-class library is paneled and framed in maple, handsomely carved in a Colonial Adams-style design, measures 25 meters squared, and has a guiding price of €200,000 - €300,000. 

“The maple paneling is accompanied by a magnificent mahogany bar with copper embellishment. 

“We have reconstructed the paneling from the second-class library in Killenard, with viewing from April 26-29, while we can arrange private viewings of the oak first-class lounge.” 

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Britannic maple paneling

The two-day auction also features collections from some of Dublin’s most well-known hotels and entertainment venues.

Included are the contents from the five-star boutique Dylan Hotel, which is undergoing a complete interior remodeling.

“As well as the contents of The Dylan Hotel including their fabulous Murano chandeliers, and the grand piano from the Burlington Hotel, we also have items from the Merrion Hotel, Café En Seine, and the iconic chairs from the Odessa Club as well as the spectacular bars from The Residence Club,” said Niall. 

“Taking center stage in the iconic stakes is the fanlight from the reception area at the Shelbourne Hotel 

“We also have the original share register book from the Shelbourne as well as the documented records of the opening of the hotel’s cocktail bar in 1944. 

“The auction also features an extremely rare collection of 27 Spy cartoons, by the celebrated artist Leslie Ward. 

“There is also an amazing curiosity cabinet originally from Lissadell House.

“There will also be other items of marine and nautical interest, and spectacular garden furniture and sculpture.” 

The auction will take place on May 1 and 2 at 11 am. Viewing April 26-29 (10.30-6pm). Contact Niall Mullen 086-2575988. Online bidding available at victormeeauctions.ie. 

The auction catalog will be available to view at victormeeauctions.ie or titanicsisterauction2019.com.

"Everything must go and there is no reserve. We take absentee and online bids and we are looking forward to welcoming lots of eager bidders on May 1-2," said Niall. 

* Originally published on April 25, 2019.