Lenkiewicz, Lovers And A Life Less Ordinary

March 24, 2009 - PRLog -- Lenkiewicz was a controversial and eccentric artist, with his lifelong dedication to society’s unfortunates having a huge influence over his work. He first set up in Hampstead, where he taught and threw his doors open to vagrants, criminals, addicts and the mentally ill. However, he was soon asked to leave the area due to the nature of the people he was attracting to the neighbourhood.

Lenkiewicz then spent a brief period of time in Cornwall, before moving to Plymouth in the early 1970’s, where he had been offered studio space. Once more he attracted vagrants and alcoholics, to whom he began offering accommodation, leading Lenkiewicz to use nine derelict warehouses in which to house everyone. They later became the subjects of his first project, an exhibition of portraits entitled Vagrancy.

Nineteen other large scale projects followed, all of which focused on taboo aspects of the human condition, including addiction, sexual behaviour, mental handicap, old age and death. Lenkiewicz even went as far as to fake his own death in 1981, claiming "I could not know what it was like to be dead, but I could know what it would be like to be thought to be dead”. Lenkiewicz is not only famous for his many large scale projects but also his more personal portraits which depicted his thousands of lovers. In addition to these, Lenkiewicz painted several large scale public murals for the Barbican, as well as personal commissions.

Whilst his work could be considered lurid and shocking to the uninitiated observer, Lenkiewicz maintained that it was in fact underpinned by sociological ideals and philosophies. Lenkiewicz died in 2002, aged 60 of heart complaints. Since his death, his worked has increased in popularity, with his estate gradually being sold off for more than £5 million.

The 20th century oil painting which is set to go under the hammer is one of Lenkiewicz personal portraits entitled: Self Portrait of the Artist with Anna. It has an estimate of £10,000 - £15,000.

A second highlight in the forthcoming Antique & Later Furniture auction is a Michael Turner painting depicting Sir Sterling Moss leading a group of four racing cars at Goodwood TT. The painting has been valued at £300 - £500.

Michael Turner is one of the most highly regarded motor sport and aviation artists, with his enthusiasm originating from an early age. His paintings are renowned for drama and accuracy which comes from his deep understanding of his subject matter.

The auction will be held at Fellows & Sons in Augusta Street, Birmingham. All items in the sale can be viewed online at www.fellows.co.uk.

Ends

For more information please contact Mary Long on 0121 212 5500 or email mary@fellows.co.uk

Notes to Editors
• Pictures are available on request
• Fellows & Sons is one of the UK’s oldest auctioneers, and is based in the Jewellery Quarter of Birmingham, UK. It was established in 1876 and remains a family business.

# # #

Established in 1876, Fellows & Sons is one of the United Kingdom's oldest and most respected firms of Auctioneers and Valuers. Our strength lies in the long term relationships we have established over the years with buyers at home and abroad, and with vendors throughout the United Kingdom.