Bagshawe’s bowlers

A painting believed to be the earliest known depiction of Irish Road Bowling will be offered by Nicholas Bagshawe Fine Art at the Chelsea Antiques Fair in London, March 18 to 22, (£35,000).

The earliest depiction of Irish road bowling; artist unknown
The earliest depiction of Irish road bowling; artist unknown

Popular from the 17th century and still played today, the game was introduced to Ireland by soldiers and weavers from the Netherlands and France, where it is still played in the much more sedate form of boules.

According to Irish Road Bowling historian Dr Fintan Lane, the style of painting and the costumes worn date the work to around 1790.

“Until now, the earliest we knew ...