The contents of the Meath property where Hollywood actor Mel Gibson stayed – including his antique four-poster bed – will go under the hammer next week.
A collection of 500 items being sold by Meath publican Gerry Brady is expected to generate huge interest with an online auction on Tuesday, January 27.
Filmed in 1994 using locations like Trim Castle and the Wicklow Mountains, the legendary action movie claimed five Academy Awards including Best Director for Gibson.
The movie star stayed in the Trim house, called St Martin’s, alongside several crew members while making the 1995 release based on Scottish rebel William Wallace.
The centrepiece of the auction will be items from the bedroom where Gibson stayed – including the wooden bed itself and other furnishings in his room.
They are all owned by Meath publican and businessman Gerry Brady. He said Gibson returned in-person last year to mark the film’s anniversary. He posed for photographs with Mr Brady and members of his family at the time.
Gibson also signed autographs for fans at Trim Castle hotel during the same visit as Braveheart devotees clamoured to meet the star in the flesh.
“He was kind enough to return to the property last year to celebrate the 30th anniversary. It was wonderful to reconnect,” said Mr Brady.
He said they all had to keep schtum about the making of the movie while filming was underway in the summer of 1994.
“It was an interesting moment in our lives, and we were under strict orders not to talk about it at the time,” said Mr Brady.
“There was the usual chaos of having so many people in the home, and myself and the family tried to make ourselves scarce.
“On one occasion, Mel locked himself out of his bedroom, which unfortunately featured a decorative, but very solid, steel door.
“He was keen on phoning the fire department. But we convinced him that we could break in through the window instead, so thankfully the door is still standing.”
Curated by auctioneer Niall Mullen, the Easylive sale by Gormley Art Auctions also features a 60-year-long collection of furniture, art, porcelain, glass and pub memorabilia.
The house of St Martin’s was furnished as a result of Mr Brady’s life-long hobby of attending Irish auctions with his late wife Phyllis.
The furniture spans design eras and includes exquisite pieces across the Victorian, Edwardian and Regency periods, all the way up to Art Nouveau.
Key items of note also include a crouching marble statue of Venus from Humewood Castle, formerly of the Hume family. There is also an oak jockey scales by Youngs of London from Headfort House in Kells.
Anyone who fancies nabbing a coveted piece can view the items in-person at St Martin’s from this Friday until Tuesday.
Bidding takes place from 5pm on Tuesday, January 27.