AFTER working with a number of houses for more than a decade, Loughlin Bowe will be known to anyone with an interest in antiques. Now he has decided to set up his own business and is holding his first sale next Thursday at new auction rooms on the Ballycallan Road on the outskirts of Kilkenny City. Starting at 2 p.m., the auction includes the part-contents of two houses whose owners have recently moved.

Among the more notable pieces on offer are a George II mahogany fold-over card table, estimated to make £2,200-£2,800, and a 19th century Chippendale revival mahogany breakfront, kneehole secretaire bookcase (estimate £4,500-£5,500), as well as a 19th century serpentine boulle credenza (£800-£1,500) and a Georgian inlaid mahogany drop-leaf table in the manner of Gillows (£750-£850).

Of specifically Irish interest are an early 18th century marriage, or dowry, chest with ornate metal mounts (£800-£1,200) and a three-quarter length portrait in floral gilt frame of Margret, Countess of Ranelagh, attributed to Michael Dahl (£2,200 £2,900).