The important Seth Dei collection of Modern and Contemporary Ghanaian Art, was displayed this week at the Residence of the British High Commissioner in Accra.

The champagne reception was attended by high-profile VIPs including Sir David Adjaye, Lord Malloch-Brown (past Deputy UN Secretary General), Lord Ahmad (UK Minister of State for the Commonwealth), H.E. Mr Iain Walker (UK High Commissioner to Ghana) and many others.

The works will be offered for auction at Bonhams’ Africa Now Sale at New Bond Street, London on 4 October.

Seth Dei’s residence in Accra is now home to the Dei Centre for the Study of Contemporary African Art. Dei was born in the Gold Coast, West Africa, before moving to the US, aged 16. With funding for study provided by the Ghanaian government, Dei remained in the US until his graduation. He then returned to Ghana where he co-founded Blue Skies, a global fresh-fruits company, with British entrepreneur Anthony Pike.

Dei made his first acquisition of Ghanaian art as a way of engaging with his heritage. His collection now consists of more than 500 paintings, 15 of which will be offered at Bonhams. The works represent some of Ghana’s finest artistic talent.

Mr and Mrs Dei

Highlights from the sale include:

• Kofi Setordji’s The Wedding Party, 1992. Setordji is widely exhibited both in Ghana and internationally. The contemporary artist’s work is estimated to achieve £10,000 - 15,000.
• The well-established Ghanaian sculptor, El Anatsui’s Migration (in 8 pieces) will also be auctioned by Bonhams. El Anatsui transforms simple, everyday materials into striking large-scale installations as seen with this poignant scene depicted on wooden panels. El Anatsui won the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the 2008 Venice Biennale. The estimate for the piece is £10,000 - 15,000.
• Kwesi Owusu-Ankomah’s vibrant piece, The New Age, dated 2003 is estimated to achieve £6,000 - 9,000. Owusu-Ankomah’s work addresses themes of identity and the body. Owusu-Ankomah has exhibited throughout Germany as well as in Britain, the US, Europe, South Africa, South America and Asia.

Images of the exhibition can be viewed here

For further information and images call Jessie Bromovsky on +44 (0) 20 7468 8210, or email jessie.bromovsky@bonhams.com or press@bonhams.com.

Further information

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and antiques, motor cars and jewellery. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, with auctions also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, Paris, San Francisco and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas.

For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please see the Bonhams website.