Joe Robinson, Head of House Sales and Collections, said: “Dreweatts are delighted to have been entrusted with the London Home collection of Fatima and Eskandar Maleki from 28 South Street. This sale chronicles their collecting journey, evolving from an inherited appreciation for the traditional, to becoming passionate and distinguished patrons of contemporary art.”

Commenting on the sale of their collection, the Maleki family said: “In the last 20 years our family home has been a meeting point where artists, collectors, gallerists, celebrities, royals and friends met over fun and lavish Persian dinners and where many even found their partner for life."

A Passion for Collecting

In 1979, the Maleki family were forced to leave Iran during the Islamic Revolution. Starting this new chapter with modest beginnings, they gradually rebuilt their lives. Their passion for collecting naturally grew into acquiring works from across the globe, earning them a distinguished reputation in the international art market.

The family’s ever evolving collection ranges from Old Master paintings spanning four centuries of European painting as well as furniture and decorative works, through to Contemporary art reflecting the family's expanding appreciation and commitment to "collecting for their time". Upon acquiring the house on South Street, the family’s passions shifted towards contemporary art, with a strong focus on established British artists such as Anthony Gormley OBE RA (b. 1950), Christopher Ofili, CBE (b. 1968), Damien Hirst (b. 1965), Gilbert (b. 1943) and George (b. 1942), Phyllida Barlow (1944-2023), Sarah Lucas (b. 1962) and Barry Flanagan (1941-2009).

Supporting Emerging Artists

The family also aimed to support emerging artists, using 28 South Street as a platform for this purpose. Visitors to this exclusive Mayfair townhouse, once home to Barbara Cartland, would have experienced the family's generosity, marked by lavish parties featuring extensive Persian buffets and grand entertainment.

At the core of 28 South Street was the Malekis' mission to bring people together from all walks of life. The home served as a meeting place where collectors connected with artists, artists met their patrons, and many found their future spouses. This all unfolded within a captivating setting, where Old Master portraits and antique bronzes were juxtaposed with luxurious upholstery and cutting-edge contemporary art.

Olafur Eliasson

Within the contemporary works, Lot 162 is a Square Sphere by Olafur Eliasson (b. 1967). The Icelandic-Danish artist, known for his large-scale installations focused on water, light, and the environment, aims to "meet" his audience through his works by engaging them with clever use of materials, angles, and positioning. Square Sphere, created in 2007, features stainless steel mirrors and bronzed brass, skilfully angled to play with light and reflections, drawing the viewer into the piece.

Friedrich Kunath

A stunning highlight of the auction (Lot 117) is by German artist, photographer and sculptor, Friedrich Kunath (b. 1974). Renowned for his emotive and poetic works that explore the full range of human emotions—from loss and fear to celebration—his art uniquely blends German Romanticism with American pop culture. Titled ‘All the Sleeves are Brown and the Tie is Grey (California Dreaming)’ the 2011 work is created in Indian ink, lacquer and watercolour on canvas.

Michael Wilkinson

The auction offers two works by British artist, Michael Wilkinson. First, we have ‘Seditionaries No. 5’ (Lot 104) a 2010 work which is produced in a striking red, in in acrylic on linen, with Verdigris, beeswax, copper wore and blackboard paint. Whilst Lot 112, ‘Black Seditionaries No. 3’, (featured above) is a dramatic black and was created in 2011 in acrylic on linen. Wilkinson’s works reflect historical upheaval, both political and social, using art as a means to capture political unrest, protest, and popular culture. He explores how events have reshaped our collective history, with perspectives shifting depending on where they are viewed. To convey this, he employs specific designs, patterns, and motifs as subtle symbols that transcend societal boundaries.

Jacob Kassay

An untitled piece by American artist Jacob Kassay (Lot 95) exemplifies his minimalist approach to spatial analysis. Kassay is recognised as a post-conceptual artist, emphasizing that the idea or concept behind a work takes precedence over traditional aesthetics. Known for using industrial processes and mediums, the result is a cross between monochrome painting and minimalist sculpture.

Jim Lambie

‘Danceteria 1,’ created by Scottish artist Jim Lambie (Lot 179), highlights his acclaim for crafting vibrant, innovative installations from everyday materials. In this piece, a wooden chair is adorned with mirror fragments and a handbag, all suspended on the wall as a sculptural installation. The work prompts viewers to reconsider the space they occupy and where it ends.

Gerry Judah

A captivating piece by British artist and designer Gerry Judah (Lot 137) is an exciting addition to the sale. Known for his immersive works created for museums, public spaces, film sets, and theatre, Judah's art deeply engages viewers. Born in Calcutta, Judah gained recognition when the Imperial War Museum commissioned him to create a large model of the selection ramp at Auschwitz Birkenau for the Holocaust Exhibition, inaugurated by the late Queen in 2000. The work featured in this sale is from Judah’s 2005 project and exhibition titled Frontiers. In this series, he crafted large, three-dimensional paintings that explore the devastation war inflicts on the environment, drawing inspiration from conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. The historically accurate and intricately detailed crumbled remains of buildings serve as a poignant reminder of the destruction and loss caused by war.

Circle of Maarten de Vos

Included in the Old Master works on offer is a large oil painting titled ‘The Wise and Foolish Virgins’ (Lot 67) which is displayed as an over-mantle in the Petit Salon. The work illustrates the parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins from Matthew's Gospel, serving as an allegory of the Last Judgement.

The painting is attributed to the circle of Flemish artist Maarten de Vos (1532-1603), who was renowned for his religious and historical paintings. As a skilled draughtsman, he also created designs for models, tapestries, and stained-glass windows, earning him an international reputation. Following the destruction of religious images during the 16th-century Great Iconoclasm, Maarten de Vos was among the artists commissioned to produce new altarpieces to replace those lost in the country’s churches.

After Antoine Coysevox

An impressive pair of equestrian bronzes in the sale (Lot 87) are after the Royal sculptor Antoine Coysevox (1640-1720) who was renowned for creating large marble equestrian sculptures. The dramatic bronzes depict Fame (Renommée) wearing a laurel wreath and holding an olive branch, while blowing the Trumpet of Truth to proclaim Louis XIV's warlike strength. Trophies are shown below a shield and a winged Victory holding a palm and crown, with Mercury, the divine messenger and God of trade, symbolizing a return to peace. Other trophies include a shield decorated with Minerva, Goddess of war.

After the signing of the Treaty of Ryswick in 1697, Louis XIV tasked his Superintendent of Buildings, Jules Hardouin-Mansart, to commission appropriate and imposing statuary for the park at the Château de Marly. Coysevox was chosen to create two equestrian groups emblematic of Louis XIV's prestige in both times of war and peace. The original Carrara marble figures were commissioned by Louis XIV in 1699 and delivered in 1701/1702, when they were placed on either side of the upper part of the horse pond at the entrance to the Parc de Marly. In 1719 they were moved to the Western terrace in the Tuileries Garden and are now exhibited in the Musée du Louvre, Paris.

A Napoleon III mahogany centre table

This stunning French Napoleon III mahogany center table with ormolu mounts (Lot 108), features a 19th-century circular top inset with a large Sevres-style porcelain plaque signed by Bombois, depicting Napoleon in full Emperor's attire. The table is further adorned with sixteen small oval porcelain plaques, each painted with images of Empress Josephine and Napoleon's Marshals. It stands on a triangular plinth with corners that terminate in gilt bronze swan figures.

Luton Hoo Chairs

Among the furniture pieces are two sets of 14 carved giltwood and upholstered 19th-century chairs, formerly part of the Wernher Family collection at Luton Hoo (Lot 24 & 25).

Page Turning Catalogue

Auction Details

Auction:
Wednesday 25 September, 10.30am BST
Dreweatts, Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

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On View:
London (highlights): Dreweatts, 16-17 Pall Mall, St James's, London SW1Y 5LU
Tuesday 3 - Thursday 5 September 2024: 10am - 4pm

Newbury (full sale): Dreweatts, Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE
Friday 20 - Wednesday 25 September 2024

Remote Viewing Service | Available from Friday 20 September
Dreweatts 360 Virtual Auction Tour | Available from Saturday 21 September

Further information:
General enquiries: + 44 (0) 1635 553 553 | housesales@dreweatts.com
Press enquiries: smaylor@dreweatts.com 
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