A fourth generation Zimbabwean, Patrick Mavros grew up in Matabeleland where he cultivated his love of African wildlife, filling his sketch books with the birds and animals he was surrounded by. As he developed his sculpting, silversmithing and jewellery making skills, he found the silver that was an abundant resource from the mining industry in Zimbabwe was the perfect material for his creations.

Patrick’s ability to sculpt jewels and objects was initially recognised when he made a pair of earrings for his wife Catja in 1978. Initially Catja’s hairdresser asked for a similar pair of earrings to be made, and with word spreading many commissions followed, resulting in the birth of his eponymous brand. Using the ancient lost wax technique to create one off sculptures, Patrick cast his first silver elephant model in 1987. The famous groups of guinea fowl followed in 1989, and by 1992 Patrick started to create his large candelabra statement pieces.

Now the family is in its fifth generation in Zimbabwe, Patrick’s four sons, Alexander, Forbes, Patrick Jnr and Benjamin, are all actively involved in the business. Based at the family’s wildlife sanctuary in the Umwimsi Valley near Harare, their studios and workshops have become acclaimed worldwide for silver sculptures of African wildlife, and the Patrick Mavros brand is now recognised as one of Africa’s leading luxury brands. In 2004 the family opened their flagship store in London’s Fulham Road, followed by stores and boutiques in Nairobi and Mauritius. Their acclaimed silver sculptures now encompass a wide range of animals from the big five of the African safari (lion, leopard, elephant, African buffalo, and rhinoceros), to gorillas and giraffes and birds of prey.

We are delighted to offer three Lots of Patrick Mavros’ work in our upcoming auction this February. Including a delightful mob of nine silver meerkats, which are poised in naturalistically curious and playful positions, and a pair of silver crocodiles, one of which is lying whilst the other is ready for action in a walking position. Highlighted below, the third piece is a silver mounted oval coaster which depicts a herd of seven elephants trekking through the African landscape.

The family also make smaller collectable pieces for the table such as bottle coasters and napkin rings, as well as a range of jewellery for men and women based on their African heritage. In November 2023, Dreweatts sold a set of six silver napkins rings by Patrick Mavros which are each chased with different animals, including crocodiles, birds, elephants, rhinos, hippos and turtles. Also sold in the auction was a Patrick Mavros a silver papaerknife which was accompanied by a silver pen pot which was chased with a herd of elephants.

The family have played a major role in African wildlife conservation. In 2016 Patrick Mavros launched the Pangolin Collection to bring attention to the most trafficked animals in the world. They have used the brand to contribute to pangolin conservation through the Tikki Hywood foundation in Zimbabwe and in fifteen other countries. A charming silver model of a pangolin and a rolled pangolin was sold at Dreweatts in November 2023 for £10,080.

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Auction Details

Wednesday 19 February, 10.30am GMT
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

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VIEWING:

• Viewing in London (highlights): 16-17 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5LU
  • Tuesday 4 February: 10am-4pm
  • Wednesday 5 February: 10am-4pm
• Viewing in Newbury (full sale): Donnington Priory, RG14 2JE
  • Friday 14 February: 10am-4pm
  • Sunday 16 February: 10am-3pm
  • Monday 17 February: 10am-4pm
  • Tuesday 18 February: 10am-4pm