The name Ashbeys Galleries has been known in Cape Towns Art and Antiques circles since 1891, the year that Edwin Rivers Ashbey started his small Picture Framing and Artists Materials Shop in Whitehall at the corner of Burg Street and Greenmarket Square.
The business then changed hands in 1914 to the Robinson family; Morris Robinson continued until he handed over the reins to his son Basil Robinson in 1946, upon his return from the war. Basil developed the business further and incorporated frequent Art and Antique Auctions.
After many moves Ashbeys Galleries finally settled in 1962 in their own premises at 43-51 Church Street, a Georgian Double Story Building dating from the mid 1700s.
Ashbeys Galleries has had many highlights over the years, having held the first exhibitions of some of South Africas most respected artists such as Irma Stern, J.H. Pierneef and Tinus de Jongh. Below is an Ashbeys auction picture from the 1920s that include the Cavanagh Collection, which was auctioned in our rooms in May 1922.
Ashbeys Galleries having been involved in the World of Art and Antiques for over a 100 years, continues to offer specialised knowledge, friendly and prompt service, a reputation for fair dealing, authorative catalogues and a following of knowledgeable and informed clients through South Africa and abroad, have established Ashbey’s Galleries as one of the leading Auction Houses in South Africa.
Our weekly General Auctions as well as our Bi-Monthly Antiques and Works of Art Auctions are sourced from private vendors, deceased and insolvent estates as well as Trust Companies, Banks and Attorneys.
Ashbey’s Galleries offers the opportunity to consult with our Auctioneer Inge Roberts, who is available to give auction estimates at no charge, every morning except Thursdays, when she conducts our auction, and is available for the whole day on a Friday. Valuations for Estate Purposes, Insurance Purposes as well as Corporate Art Valuations are undertaken.
Auction estimates may also be obtained from images and detailed information, which may be forwarded to info@ashbeysgalleries.co.za.
Please note that auction estimates based on images are subject to first hand inspection of the property.