The real-life Indiana Jones who spent half a century searching for religious artifacts

Sale date Monday 10th November

A COLLECTION of religious art spanning two centuries and put together by a real-life Indiana Jones is coming up for auction in the Midlands.

Predominantly Orthodox icons from the Greek, Ukrainian and Russian schools, the collection is showcased across more than 100 lots with Richard Winterton Auctioneers at The Lichfield Auction Centre on Monday, November 10, and is anticipated to total £10,000 to £15,000.

The late Ryszard Holowenko spent more than 50 years accumulating religious artifacts from all around the world and displaying them in his Tamworth home.

“My dad spent his life searching,” said Mr Holowenko’s son Marek, 47.

“He was extremely motivated and driven in collecting religious artifacts, especially Orthodox iconography.

“In all sense and purposes this artistry was his life. These items drove him to explore the world.

“He was well-studied and well-read; he had a good eye and knew what he was looking for.”

One of the first British-born babies to Polish immigrants following the Second World War, Mr Holowenko was born and brought up in Coventry, where his parents helped establish the Polish Catholic parish there.

The father-of-two went on to be a respected prominent member of the Polish community and in Polish Catholic circles in the Midlands.

Mr Holowenko worked around the world in sales and in pharmaceuticals.

His work globally and drive to collect religious artifacts – often off the beaten track – drew affectionate comparisons to the famous fictional archaeological adventurer Indiana Jones.

He died aged 75 in Kochi, India, in November 2024 during a 75th birthday quest for religious artifacts.

His collection spans the 18th to early 20th centuries, with many items offered for auction individually.

Most of the icons are created from tempera on wood although there are examples chromolithographic printed on metal, painted enamel, and even linen with copper needlework, alongside wooden sculptures and wood panel icons.

Well-known saints featured include Saint George, represented in Greek, Russian, and Ukrainian styles.

Some icons are adorned with an oklad or riza – a decorated cover for an Orthodox icon protecting the painted surface from candle smoke whilst still honouring the image.

Such covers are typically made of thin metal; some in the collection are hallmarked St Petersburg and Moscow.

There are also more obscure saints and several lots feature demons within the imagery – an uncommon and striking subject in Orthodox iconography.

Further lots include Polish and Russian bronze sculptures, Eastern European carved folk art, poor soul purgatory statuettes, Hindu sacred cow statues, 20^th century bronzes, modern wooden carvings and Indo-Persian miniatures.

"This is a remarkable selection showcasing the artistry, spirituality and symbolism of multiple cultures and centuries," said a spokesperson for Richard Winterton Auctioneers.

Proceeds of the artifacts will go to the Christian mission, Marek Holowenko said.

The collection goes under the hammer at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Wood End Lane, Fradley Park, in the Antique & Home Sale on Monday, November 10, starting at 9am.

Viewing in person takes place on Friday, November 7, between 10am and 4pm and the catalogue goes live online a week beforehand via our Auction Calendar.

To arrange a free valuation of all types of antiques and collectables, or to enquire about a home visit for large collections or house clearances, email office@richardwinterton.co.uk or call 01543 251081.

Pictured top of page: An icon of St John the Baptist’s death with its hallmarked silver oklad.