The Collection of Professor Jonathan and Mrs Deanna Brostoff

03 May 2023

Bellmans Auctioneers are delighted to offer for auction selected items from the estates of the late Professor Jonathan and Mrs. Deanna Brostoff.

Professor Jonathan Brostoff, MA, DM, DSc(Med), FRCP, FRCPath, FIBiol, was one of the leading figures in the medical area of allergy and clinical immunology. As well as treating patients internationally, he was a well-known lecturer and author of many books covering food allergies, intolerances, anaphylaxis and auto-immune disorders. Meanwhile Deanna played a unique role in the West End theatrical scene, known for catering the launch parties of several productions held at Cameron Mackintosh’s theatres, including Cats and Miss Saigon. As well as catering for hundreds of social and executive functions she wrote a cookery book designed for small kitchens, after retirement she became an active volunteer at the British Museum, particularly helping in the Greek and Roman department.

Highlights of the collection include an oak Monk’s chair by Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson. Estimate £600-900, Lot 950 and a ‘Mouseman’ oak octagonal coffee table. Estimate £400-£500 Lot 960. Both in our May Interiors Sale.

Together at their beautiful home they collected art and antiques from around the world. The flat on Fitzjohn’s Avenue, Hampstead was formerly the residence of society artist Count Nicholas Egon (1921-2017), who was well known for painting the most beautiful women of the day, including members of the Greek Royal family and Helen Mirren whom he ‘scouted’ at a local restaurant and approached her to sit for him. A pencil drawing of an elegant lady is offered in our May Modern British sale lot 43 with an estimate of £100-£150. You can see the same flat being used by Egon in the 1950s as his studio here: https://www.britishpathe.com/asset/82275/

Harrison Goldman, Auctioneer & Head of our London office, was a family friend for several years and describes the collection as a ‘charming insight into a true power couple of late 20th century, on the one hand you had one of the world’s leading allergists and the other a caterer to the stars of the West End stage and Prime Ministers’.

Another highlight is the late Professor’s Rolex Oyster perpetual date wristwatch, which was presented to him by the Sultan of Oman for treating one of his family. Offered in our May Fine Jewellery & Watches sale, Lot 1709 with an estimate of £6000-£8000

A further selection of Mrs Brostoff’s jewellery will be sold in our June ‘Interiors’ auction and rare medical books from the Professor’s library in our July ‘Printed Books, Manuscripts and Maps’ auction.

For further information about any lots in the sale please contact [email protected]