Christie's to auction late Lord Weidenfeld's art collection

Throughout his life, he also held diplomatic and philanthropic posts, significantly as political advisor and chief of cabinet for Chaim Weizmann, the first President of Israel.

Lord Weidenfeld began collecting art shortly after the war and continued to acquire significant works throughout his life.

The auction features important old master paintings and drawings, an important group of 20th-century works on paper – with a strong concentration on artists from his native Vienna – together with sculpture, furniture, decorative arts and soft furnishings.

Highlights from his collection of 20th-century works on paper will be on view at Christie’s London from Thursday to Monday next week, ahead of the preview of the full collection in May. The collection is expected to realise in excess of £1.4 million.

Lord Weidenfeld was one of the few people to coax revered antique dealer Geoffrey Bennison into taking on a decorating commission, by agreeing to decorate Lord Weidenfeld’s Chelsea Embankment apartment. The result was such a success that Lord Weidenfeld kept the property unchanged for more than 40 years.

Some of the furniture and ornaments supplied by Mr Bennison are also up for auction as part of the collection, including a Lord Weidenfeld’s desk, which dates back to 1820.