Dylan Lewis (South African B. 1964)

Dylan Lewis studied at the Cape Technikon in 1982 and initially embarked on a career as a painter, before becoming a sculptor. Between 1993 and 2000 Lewis focused on dynamic representations of the big cats of Southern Africa, lions, cheetahs and leopards. His sculptures are realistic depictions, captured in a myriad of poses at rest, grooming, in full movement or hunting. His interest however, lies not just in an accurate likeness but in embodying something more elemental, symbolic of the mysterious, visceral and untamed qualities of the wilderness areas that so fascinate him.

Whilst his cat sculptures are the primary focus of his work, Lewis does also capture other wildlife including native birds and other species. Lewis spent long periods in the bush, filling sketchbooks with drawings and notes, which he would then take back to the studio and work up initially in clay or plaster and then in bronze. The surface of his works often have a textural quality reminiscent of the landscapes that they inhabit, instead of skin, fur or feathers, they are moulded with the artist's handprints, as well as elements of the bush, creating a dynamic interplay between the depiction of the form and the surface qualities of the work.

In the auction, we are pleased to be offering two works depicting cheetahs, as well as two birds, an avocet and a wagtail. 

Hamish Mackie

British sculptor, Hamish Mackie is known for his bronzes of domestic and wild animals. His work has taken him all over the world to study his animal subjects, from across Europe to Canada, the Middle East, Australia and India, and even as far afield as the Antarctic. Mackie's sculptures are his own interpretation, not merely photographic representations, which aim to convey the physiognomy as well as the character of an animal.

Every project begins with a field trip, so that Hamish can study his subject in their natural habitat. This is fundamental to gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of his subject. With each sculpture, he always starts off with an accurate anatomical rendering of the body. Here, he can highlight the muscle groups that form the base of the structure. He then layers over a loose skin which allows the sculpture to retain its visceral core. In this way, the works capture instinctive moments of animal behaviour and are never static, they are imbued with an innate energy, as if suspended in a perpetual state of movement.

We are pleased to be offering two works by Mackie in this auction, including a Cape buffalo and an eland.

Bryan Kneale (British 1930-2025)

Kneale studied at the Douglas school of Art in 1947 before attending the Royal Academy between 1948 and 1952 and won the Rome Scholarship in Painting. In 1960 however, he decided to move from being a painter to a sculptor. He held several teaching posts in both sculpture and drawing, including at the Royal College of Art and the Royal Academy as well as establishing a career as a notable sculptor.

Kneale is known for his abstract works, making this more realistic rendering of an octopus a more unusual example from his body of work.

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Auction Details

Wednesday 8 July 2026, 10.30am BST
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

Bidding is available in person at our salerooms, online, by telephone or you can leave commission (absentee) bids.

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VIEWING:

• Viewing at Dreweatts London (highlights): 16-17 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5LU
  • Tuesday 16 June: 10am-4pm
  • Wednesday 17 June: 10am-7pm
  • Thursday 18 June: 10am-4pm
• Viewing at Dreweatts Newbury (full sale): Donnington Priory, RG14 2JE
  • Saturday 4 July: 10am-3pm
  • Sunday 5 July 10am-3pm
  • Monday 6 July: 10am-4pm
  • Tuesday 7 July: 10am-4pm
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