The bee and the beekeeper
AUCTIONEER Ryan Beach, the owner of Anthemion Auctions in Cardiff, deals in the hectic world of art and antiques for his day job, but out of hours, allows himself to be absorbed by the more rural pursuit of bee-keeping.
He has been keeping bees for more than 10 years, and it is a hobby that he is truly passionate about, having a total of circa half a million bees, in 14 hives, situated in the stunning Usk Valley.
“Bees are a super-organism – truly fascinating creatures,” says Ryan. “I was drawn in by the complexity of their lives and the way they operate, with an insightful hive mind and absolute precision.”
One of the biggest appeals of bee-keeping, according to Ryan, is the total immersion in their world once the bee-keeping apparel is donned. “The sound of the bees surrounding you in their millions is all consuming; quite powerful, and it becomes a very mindful experience.”
As an auctioneer heading a small team in a very busy auction house by day, looking after his bees as a pastime offers a wonderful time out from the everyday.
“I am lucky enough to live in a beautiful location also, and working with the bees and reaping the results feels like a real privilege.”
Back at his auction house, where jars of the home harvested honey are on sale, the new favourite lot is not just beautiful, but strangely appropriate.
Anthemion’s Fine Art and Antique Sale on November 21 offers a unique and stunning diamond and sapphire bee brooch, which is estimated to sell for between £500 and £700. It joins a huge selection of jewellery, silverware, paintings, furniture and works of art to be included in the Fine Art Auction. ■