THE Charterhouse two day auction on April 20 and 21 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 experts 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 Migraine 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 19 between 10 and 6 and Thursday 20 between 9 and 5. Alternatively, you can view all the lots on www.charterhouse-auction.com

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for their auctions of two days on May 18 and 19 featuring silver, watches, jewellery with specialist sections of wine, port and whisky and Royal Doulton and Beswick. They are also accepting entries for their specialist auction of classic cars on Wednesday, April 12 followed by classic motorcycles on Wednesday, May 10.

For further information regarding these auctions, or to arrange a home visit contact Richard Bromell at Charterhouse on 01935-812277 or email items for valuation at info@charterhouse-auction.com