Huge African art collection up for auction in Vancouver
Rare art, carvings, trophies and collectibles from Africa are up for auction Sept. 21st in Vancouver.
The 20,000-plus collection belongs to the family of Englishman, Eric Balson, and was acquired over a lifetime of adventure.
Balson began his career as a surveyor for British adventurer Col. Ewart Grogan but switched to the British Overseas Service designing and building dams in Tanganyika (part of modern day Tanzania).
Eventually, Balson became the first Chief Game Warden of the Serengeti National Park and became a strong advocate against poaching. He also founded the Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia before going on to work for the United Nations
He retired in Alberta in 1994 and died February 22, 2014.
The collection contains African tribal masks and carvings, art, animal trophies and hides. There are also some ivory pieces, which can no longer be imported into Canada but were brought into the country prior to 1989, when it was legal to do so. However, anyone buying pre-ban ivory at the auction, can not take it out of the country under current regulations.
The auction is organized by Able Auctions of Vancouver. Bids can be made in person or online. Hundreds of online bidders are expected to sign up from around the world. The items can be previewed Sept. 20, the auction is on the 21st.
Able Auction says the value of the collection is "in the six figures."
On mobile? Click here for YouTube video tour of the collection
