A huge collection of sacred religious icons worth tens of thousands of pounds – some dating back to the 18th century – have been discovered in a storage locker in London.
The find has stunned experts at Hansons London, the auction house where the items will go under the hammer on Saturday, February 26. In all, 89 icons have been uncovered and, such is their historical importance, they could make in excess of £20,000.
Chris Kirkham, head of Fine Art at Hansons London, said: “I was called by a client to assess a collection which had been in storage in Ealing, West London, for 20 years. When I opened the storage room door, I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was packed with exceptional examples of art. Painting after painting emerged brimming with religious imagery. To see so many sacred items in one setting was quite astounding.”
An icon is a religious image or representation of an object, deity or sacred figure or event. They are widely used in Orthodox Churches. They are generally flat panel paintings depicting a holy person or object such as Jesus, Mary, saints, angels, or the cross.
“Icons like this would have been displayed in churches to represent important aspects of Christian belief and religious figures,” said Mr Kirkham. “The icons span three centuries. The earliest examples date back to the 18th century while later works were painted in the early 20the century.
“The collection was amassed over the course of decades by the seller’s late father, a former London businessman from a Greek Catholic family. He curated and researched each piece.”
The seller, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “My father, who died 20 years ago at the age of 82, liked to collect many things. One of his friends also collected religious icons and used to compete to find fine examples. These icons were never put on display but kept in storage for decades. I never saw them. I think most were purchased in the 1970s and 80s.
“I believe a lot of the icons originate from Armenia. When Armenia was under Russian control, people couldn’t take money out of the country so just took whatever they could, such as religious icons.
“The examples being offered by Hansons London are one fourth of my father’s collection. His icons have been shared among family members but there are too many to look after and display. If they are not cared for properly, they will disintegrate. I hope they will find homes with people who will treasure them. Easter is coming up, and I am sure many members of Orthodox Churches will be interested in buying them.”
Items set to go to auction include lot 114, a large mid-19th century depiction of St Nicholas, estimate £800-£1,200; Lot 60, a depiction of St John the Baptist, £1,500; lot 113, a 19th Century icon of the Protecting Veil and St Romanus Melodus, £800-£1,200, and lot 53, a 19th century icon depicting the Resurrection and Descent, 12 Cardinal Feasts and 12 Cycles of Passion, £400-£800
Mr Kirkham said: “It’s so rare for a collection of this type, and size, to come to auction, I am expecting strong bidding and interest from all over the world. There are has always been intense demand for religious art and artefacts and, with Easter not far away, it’s the perfect time to acquire an icon steeped in history.
“Estimates start from as little as £50 rising up to the low thousands. However, I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see estimates smashed.”
The religious icons will be offered by Hansons London, Normansfield Theatre, Teddington, on Saturday February 26. Catalogue: www.hansonslive.co.uk. To find out more or to arrange a free valuation, call 0207 018 9300 or 07469 353 077. Alternatively, email [email protected]
