‘Quirky’ sale will cover spectrum from frivolous pieces to serious stuff

OMNI’s monthly select auction promises to be “the hottest event in town”, according to the auction house’s Warren Scheuer, with many lots of collectables, jewellery, silver, art and furniture catalogued on its website and curated in its rooms.

The diverse items on offer were sourced from a Bishopscourt mansion, two Sea Point beachfront apartments and other private homes and collections, he says.

Scheuer describes the auction as “a quirky sale with lots of frivolous pieces, but also filled with many serious collectables”.

“Picture yourself sitting on one of a pair of exceptionally good quality vintage leather Chesterfield buttonback sofas while reading a collectable book from the rare books on offer, many from the collection of gallerist and art dealer Johans Borman,” he says.

“And why not dress the fireplace with a Victorian brass fire fender while sipping wine from a delicate antique glass. There is an antique wheelbarrow to bring in the firewood and an Edwardian rocking horse for the kids.”

Among other items on sale will be 150 lots of furniture, ranging from 17th century to contemporary items.

“The catalogue is filled with coffers, chests, bookcases and desks, sofas and dining tables of all shapes and sizes, massive cupboards and small side tables. Carpets and chandeliers will be on offer, as will unusual conversation pieces in the form of vintage bakers’ racks and specimen chests.”

With more than 100 lots of paintings on display, the art section will be a visual extravaganza, he says.

“The works of numerous wellknown and popular South African artists, such as Robert Slingsby, Christo Coetzee, Andrew Verster and Sydney Goldblatt, will be represented.

“A highlight in the international section will be an André Mason painting and there will also be many other works by artists who have become household names. The subject matter and styles of the artworks are diverse.

“The offerings will include a significant single-owner collection of ornithological paintings with great provenance and an important selection of contemporary prints.”

Many of the collectables on offer date back to a nostalgic, bygone era.

“There will be an abundance of crystal and cut glass in the form of drinking glasses, vases and dishes, and dinner and tea services, with vintage linen to complement them. Serious collectables are the numerous South African ceramics on offer, from Lynnware to Hylton Nel and Clementina van der Walt pieces.”

Scheuer says a large selection of silverware will also be available, with a fine collection of Kiddush cups as a highlight.

“There are tea sets and trays, trinkets and tazzas: an Aladdin’s cave of metalware to suit all tastes and pockets.

“In addition, a beautiful array of jewellery and watches will go under the hammer – ranging in design from the intricate to the flamboyant – in gold, platinum and silver, with diamonds, rubies and sapphires.”

Scheuer says Omni’s monthly catalogue auctions are attracting a strong following, with those who regularly attend regarding these as a wonderful place to meet like-minded collectors and a social event not to be missed.

The auction will take place at 10am on Tuesday. The auction items may be viewed between 10am and 4pm daily, including Saturday and Sunday, at Omni’s rooms at 9 Hemlock Road, Newlands.

For more details or to view the catalogue, see www.omni.co.za, or contact Omni at info@omni.co.za or call 021 671 4497.

The selection of silverware includes this silver jar and cover made by John Parker and Edward Wakel.

Featured in the art category is this lithograph, titled ‘Miles Davis Solo II’, by Sam Nhlengethwa.