A ‘stunningly exotic’ animal-inspired antique room divider found in Nottinghamshire is set to soar to success at auction.
The unusual metal screen, covered in animals including elephants, horses and rabbits, belongs to retired Nottingham man David Rankin.
He said: “I was born in Nottingham but lived in South Africa for 30 years and I bought the screen in an antique shop in Johannesburg. I’ve owned it for more than 30 years and I love it.
“I’m not quite sure about its origins but a maker’s mark on the screen indicates that it was made in Malaysia.”
David, who worked in the banking industry in South Africa, is finally parting with the screen because he’s downsizing and it’s too big for his city flat.
The sizeable 6ft high screen is due to go under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers’ Fine Art Auction on September 29 with an estimate of £500-£700.
Hansons valuer Sonia Jackson said: “I absolutely love this screen. It’s stunningly unusual, exotic and ornate. As well as animals, the design features sunflowers and lotus flowers. The latter is the native flower for both India and Vietnam and holds symbolic importance. We will be doing some careful research before it goes up for auction.
“I have never come across anything like it before. If anyone has anything similar, or would like to enter items into our auctions, I would love to hear from them.”
Entries are invited for Hansons’ Fine Art Auction until September 7. Hansons holds regular free antiques and jewellery valuation events in Nottinghamshire. Their valuers will be at The Saracens Head, Market Place, Southwell, NG25 0HE, on August 21, 10am-1pm, and at Trowell Garden Centre, Stapleford Road, Trowell, NG9 3TG, on August 29, 11am-2pm. To find out more, visit www.hansonsauctioneers.co.uk or call 01283 733988.
