Desirable items at fine art auction

OMNI’S auction catalogue for this month is filled with unusual and desirable items that will appeal to collectors, dealers and designers.

Gary Shean, head of the fine art department, says a highlight will be rare art books, this time on South African master artist Walter Battiss.

“Battiss will stand proud in the art department as well, with two of his major works offered,” says Shean. “There is also a delightful lithograph by this artist.”

Of major significance are the three William Kentridge works on offer.

Other pieces for sale in the art department range from early to contemporary works.

“Household names include Neville Lewis, Conrad Theys, Pieter van der Westhuizen and Amos Langdown.”

The collectables section will include a rare selection of original political cartoons by Weyni Deysel from the 1980s and 1990s, published in Die Burger and the Sunday Times.

Collectables include railway memorabilia, ceramics, sculptures and glassware.

“Clocks and carpets, chandeliers and Chineseware, and bronzes of French, Chinese and Japanese origin in figural form, or shaped as vases, will all be available.”

The watches on offer will include stainless steel and gold Rolexes for men and women, and there will be gold and diamond rings, pendants and earrings of all periods, sizes and designs.

The furniture department will be filled with pieces ranging from 18th century to modern, says Warren Scheuer, head of department. “The juxtaposition of old and new is arresting.

“Of importance are two Art Deco walnut-and-leather lounge suites, one covered with zebra hide and cognac leather.”

Travelling trunks, desks, tables and chesterfields fill the catalogue.

The auction will take place over two sessions on Tuesday. At 10am books, art and collectables will be sold. The 2pm session will include furniture, carpets and jewellery.

The auction assets may be viewed between 10am and 4pm this weekend and on Monday at Omni’s showrooms at 9 Hemlock Road, Newlands.

For more details contact 021 671 4497 or info@omni. co.za