Collectables for those insatiable appetites

Glass creations, silver and objets d’art all to be snapped up

THE SALES results achieved in Ashbey’s Galleries’ fine arts and collectables auction in February confirmed the company experts’ view that there remains an insatiable appetite for artworks and collectables among the public.

Auctioneer Inge Beck says that, while the demand for South African art remains unabated, an unexpected result at the auction was that 89% of all artwork offered in the international art category was sold.

She says that, in addition, exquisite collectables, silver and glassware, porcelain, objets d’art, furniture and carpets were snapped up by eager bidders at the sale.

Beck adds that for its fine arts and collectables auction, to be held on Thursday, May 25, Ashbey’s, which has served the auction industry since 1891, has produced another well-balanced catalogue, representing all these categories.

Silver and silverplate: In Beck’s view, no home is complete without the perfect tableware. “Vintage or antique silverware or silverplate, whether a tasteful individual piece or a full setting service, adds personality and pizzazz to a dining table setting that would otherwise look perfunctory,” she says.

She adds that fine period examples in this category will go under the hammer.

● The glamour of glass:

The glass creations of the last century are incredibly varied in terms of style and significance, but there are a few artists’ names whose works are guaranteed to benefit a collection and add glamour to a table, says Beck.

“Among them is René Lalique, who was one of the most celebrated glassmakers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries because of his ability to channel Art Deco esprit into his designs. Thirteen of his pieces will be featured in the glass category in our forthcoming sale.”

South African glass sculptures also compete exceptionally well in the international market and these works are sought after, she says, adding that two magnificent works by well-known local glass artist David Reade will go under the hammer.

Collectables: The wide variety of collectables on offer will allow buyers to enjoy selecting pieces to their heart’s content, and will include scientific instruments, antique maps, Oriental objets d’art, longcase and figural mantel clocks, books, a large collection of graduated copper and brass saucepans and a fine example of a stationery box and other collectable small cabinets, Beck says.

Jewellery: More than 30 lots of jewellery will also be available, ranging from wristwatches and diamond rings to brooches, bracelets, earrings and pendants. “Pieces that epitomise glamour or capture the splendour of bygone ages do not necessarily have to be expensive.”

Art: The art category will include works by many acclaimed artists, providing an opportunity for bidders to acquire investment pieces.

“There can be no doubt in anyone’s mind that investing in fine collectable artwork will reap benefits in the long run. The art market is strong worldwide and art sales results in South Africa have proved that this country, too, has serious collectors. While collecting and investing in art will give buyers long-term results, their emphasis should be on buying the very best that they can afford and asking for advice from professionals,” she advises.

Ashbey’s May auction will feature a diverse selection of works in all mediums and will include a collection of some of the finest works by old South African masters – among them, Cecil Skotnes (a carved, painted and incised wood panel will be on offer), Carl Büchner, Jan Dingemans, Pranas Domsaitis, Marjorie Wallace, Sydney Carter, Florence Zerffi, Edward Wolfe, Douglas Portway, Otto Klar, Maurice van Essche, Walter Battiss and Pieter van der Westhuizen, to mention a few. This category will also include the works of 20th-century artists such as Norman Catherine, Anton Smith, Robert Slingsby and others. In addition, international artwork is well presented in the catalogue.

Furniture: An array of antique furniture, dating from the 18th to 20th century, will also go under the hammer. An exquisite example of a Georgian knee-hole desk, a Chesterfield couch and two armchairs, bookcases, chests of drawers, dining tables and chairs, a variety of linen presses and other fine pieces, all beautifully polished and displayed, are ready to find a new home elsewhere, she adds.

The exhibition is on view at 43 Church Street, Cape Town, and viewing will end at 2pm on Wednesday, May 24. The auction will start promptly at 10am on Thursday, May 25. The catalogue can also be viewed online at www. ashbeysgalleries.co.za (follow the link to www.thesaleromm. com).

For more information, call Ashbey’s Galleries at 021 423 8060, e-mail info@ ashbeys.co.za, or e-mail the auctioneer Inge Beck at inge@ ashbeysgalleries.co.za

This abstract cobalt blue glass sculpture is one of two magnificent works by well-known local glass artist David Reade, which will go under the hammer at Ashbey’s forthcoming sale.

This exquisite example of a Georgian mahogany knee-hole desk is among the pieces that will be on offer.