Cartoonist sure to draw auction crowd

The sale takes place over two days, 31st March and the 1st April, at their Ballymoney saleroom on 51 Main Street.

A lot which will certainly cause a stir is a book and drawings by, Rowel Friers, arguably Northern Ireland’s best known cartoonist.

Gerry McAfee, auctioneer at McAfee Auctions said: “Rowel Friers was born in Belfast in 1920, and from the late 1960s to his death in 1998, he documented every stage of the Troubles with his witty and insightful political cartoons.

“His work appeared in Punch, London Opinion, the Daily Express, the Sunday Independent, Dublin Opinion, the Northern Whig, the News Letter, the Irish Times, and the Belfast Telegraph and his unique use of line renders his cartoons instantly recognisable.

“His funeral was a major public occasion - among the mourners were the then Nationalist Leader, Lord Fitt, and the Democratic Unionist Leader, Ian Paisley proving that even in death he could reconcile rivals.

“The lots going under the hammer are a book entitled ‘Country Collection of Cartoons’ as well as a drawing of three men unmistakably in the style of Rowel Friers.”

The sale also features framed photographs by renowned photographer, John Hanson, of celebrities Zoe Salmon and Stephen Nolan as well as businessmen and hoteliers Billy Hastings and Lord Rana.

The furniture going under the hammer includes a small Mahogany sliding door bookcase, an Oak four door sideboard with carved panels and a very good three door walnut fitted wardrobe and Dressing Table to name a few.

Viewing of the sale commences on Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th March between 3pm and 5pm and 7pm and 8.30pm and on each day of sale from 4pm.

You can contact the auction house on 028 2766 7669 or log onto www.mcafeepropertiesandmortgages.com.