A Tribute to Stephan Welz<\/span><\/h1>\n

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\u00a0The members and committee of South African Friends of the Israel Museum pay tribute to Stephan Welz, the renowned art auctioneer and recognised expert on South African art who passed away on the 25^{th<\/sup>\u00a0of December 2015.<\/p>\n}

We were privileged to have Stephan Welz address us as recently as November 2015 at a hosted event at Strauss premises where he spoke about the contribution of the South African Jewish community to the arts.\u00a0 In fact, this was his very last, much appreciated and applauded address.<\/p>\n

The foundation of Stephan\u2019s professional achievement was strongly influenced by his proximity to artists.\u00a0 His father, Jean Welz, a recognised and celebrated South African artist, and his fellows, friends and associates, including expressionist painter, Cecil Higgs, Gregoire Boonzaier, Irma Stern, Pierneef, Maggie Laubser, Maud Sumner, Alexis Preller and Walter Battiss, all served to spark his love and appreciation of art when most of his young friends preferred the rugby field.<\/p>\n

As Karel Nel said:\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s never an opportune moment to die, but there must surely be some satisfaction that Stephan had two of the most successful record breaking auctions in Cape Town and Johannesburg just before his death.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stephan\u2019s early engagement with Sotheby\u2019s was initially on a part time basis until he was eventually persuaded by the Head of Sotheby\u2019s in South Africa, Reinhold Cassirer to leave his conventional job and become full-time at Sotheby\u2019s.\u00a0 During the political isolation of South Africa, Sotheby\u2019s let go of its direct interest and the company was moved into Stephan\u2019s name.<\/p>\n

He later joined Strauss & Co, which had been initiated by Conrad Strauss and Elizabeth Bradley.\u00a0 Stephan\u2019s reputation resulted in the development of a huge following and Strauss became the preeminent auction house in the country within a year.<\/p>\n

The loss of Stephan Welz to the South African art world is immeasurable.\u00a0 He was for many years, the go-to person.\u00a0 A national treasure with a depth and breadth of knowledge, willing to share and impart through engaging anecdotes and stories of personal encounter.\u00a0 His comprehensive knowledge of art included patrons, collectors, artists, silver, ceramics, furniture as well as stamps and toys.<\/p>\n

Apart from his wealth of information, his personal impact and engaging manner is referred to time and time again.<\/p>\n

Stephan\u2019s unique humour combined with sharp wit, intelligence and ability to connect was attractive and compelling.\u00a0 It was his knowledge that was sought after, but it was his personality and style that touched everyone who knew him.<\/p>\n

I was privileged to witness Stephan Welz on the auctioneer\u2019s podium on numerous occasions over the years.\u00a0 He presided over each one with mastery, confidence and humility, engaging, educating, encouraging and entertaining his participants.<\/p>\n

The friendship we developed, the time shared, the conversations and the advice I readily sought remain treasured memories and will live with me always.<\/p>\n

We, the South African Friends of the Israel Museum were riveted, enriched and informed by his LAST LECTURE.\u00a0 We learnt about the Jewish patrons of the arts, the artists and contributors, many of whom were personal friends of Stephan.\u00a0 We left feeling proud of our heritage and its considerable contribution to the appreciation of art in our country. \u00a0We add our voice in saying that Stephan Welz will be sorely missed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dorianne Weil<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A Tribute to Stephan Welz \u00a0The members and committee of South African Friends of the Israel Museum pay tribute to Stephan Welz, the renowned art auctioneer and recognised expert on South African art who passed away on the 25th\u00a0of December 2015. We were privileged to have Stephan Welz address us as recently as November 2015 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[6],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n