Selection of lots for everyone range from R100 to R100 000

FOLLOWING its successful inaugural sale, the newly formed Omni Auction House will hold its first “Omni Select” auction on May 30.

The auction will offer an eclectic mix of more than 700 lots, including South African and international art, collectables, silver, jewellery, watches and clocks, lighting, mirrors, antiques, mid- century and modern furniture and classic cars. According to Gary Shean, head of the fine art department, there will be an array of well-known and lesser-known artists represented in this category. Among the works is an impressive Pranas Domsaitis landscape oil; an oil by Peter Clarke titled Portrait of Segovia, with a “come-and-buy-me” estimate of R60 000 to R80 000; and works by Christo Coetzee and Frans Claerhout to name a few.

“There are paintings spanning numerous decades, artists and styles,” says Shean. “The quality is impressive and the visual impact sublime. The diversity means there will be something for everyone, from the serious investor to the person looking for a unique and special little item for their home.”

Shona Robie, head of decorative arts, points out that Omni is not only about fine art. “There is artistic merit in all departments,” she says. “We are fortunate to be handling some wonderful local and international works, especially in the Oriental section. There is an assortment of Oriental items on offer, from large 19th-century furniture pieces to intricate miniature jade carvings. The highlights include a rare set of five Chinese silk embroidered panels and a pair of large chargers.”

Robie adds that the furniture available ranges from Georgian and Victorian to campaign, mid-century modern and even contemporary Philippe Starck items.

Karen Shean, head of silver and jewellery, says there is a resurgence in collecting silver. “More than 100 lots of assorted silver and silver-plated items, from the functional to the purely aesthetic, will go under the hammer,” she says, adding that special mention should be made of the rare George IV silver christening mug by Paul Storr (London, 1820) that will be available.

Watches are also in great demand once more, especially vintage examples, she says. “Many well-known brands are represented at this auction, including Omega, Tag Heuer and Cartier.

Other highlights of the auction will include a 1990 Porsche Carrera 4 and 2004 XJ8 Daimler.

With items ranging in price from R100 to more than R100 000, Omni predicts that its monthly auctions will become a standard feature on dealers’ and collectors’ calendars.

The auction will take place on May 30 at 9 Hemlock Street, Newlands, with viewing from May 26. For more information, contact Omni at 021 671 4497 or info@omni.co.za or visit www. omni.co.za.