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Collections up for Auction

    The Charterhouse two day auction on 20th and 21st April of 1,100 lots includes the library of books from the late Dr McDonald Critchley CBE and pictures from the private collection of Dr Mohammed Said Farsi. “The collections from both Doctors could not be more different in taste but appear similar in that they amassed so many items. ” Commented Richard Bromell. “Both were clearly leading expert in their chosen fields of collecting having spent decades adding to their collections with all their items now entered for auction without reserves. “The late Dr MacDonald Critchley lived at Nether Stowey near Bridgwater and Charterhouse were instructed by the executors to auction his library. In practice, he was a specialist neurologist and a founder member of The British Migrane Trust. A published scientist, he amassed a large library of books relating not only to the study of neurology and phrenology, but also Dylan Thomas and Charles Dickens. One of the more valuable sets of books is The Nonesuch Dickens €“ a 25 volume set printed in 1937/38. Estimated at £1,000-2,000* this limited edition of 877 sets, but 66 sets were destroyed in 1940 when a bomb hit the bindery!Also of interest from this library is a signed presentation copy of H G Wells’ book Ann Veronica. Inscribed from H G Wells to his then friend Henry James, it is valued at £300-500* and an early copy of Bram Stokers Dracula £500-800*Dr Mohammed Said Farsi was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Upon the completion of his studies in Alexandria, he returned to his hometown of Jaddah as a qualified architect and entered government service in 1963. He quickly rose through government and was appointed Planning Officer for the Kingdom of Western Saudi Arabia. As an art collector Dr Farsi’s vision as a city planner was to integrate important contemporary art into public spaces and commissioned works by artists including Henry Moore.Entered into the auction from Dr Farsi are nearly 100 pictures estimated from £100 to the low thousands. Artists from Europe and Egypt include Ragheb Ayad, Henri Emilien Rousseau, Kamel Moustafa, and Ahmed Sabri.Viewing for the auction at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne DT9 3BS is on Wednesday 19th 10-6 and Thursday 20th 9-5. Alternatively, you can view all the lots on www.charterhouse-auction.comCharterhouse is now accepting entries for their auctions of two day 18th & 19th May auction featuring silver, watches, jewellery with specialist sections of wine, port & whisky and Royal Doulton and Beswick. They are also accepting entries for their specialist auction of classic cars on Wednesday 12th April followed by classic motorcycles on Wednesday 10th May.For further information regarding these auctions, or to arrange a home visit, please contact Richard Bromell at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277 or email items for valuation at info@charterhouse-auction.com