Artist's books to be sold

The trustees are to sell 600 of Robert Lenkiewicz's books

Up to 600 rare books from the collection of a Devon artist will have to be auctioned to raise money to pay off debts and legal costs.

Two hundred paintings by the late Plymouth-based Robert Lenkiewicz are already being auctioned at Sothebys next month.

Now books on magic and the occult are also being sold in order that more paintings from the Plymouth collection do not have to go.

It is hoped the sale of the books will raise an estimated £500,000.

It is the latest move as trustees of the Lenkiewicz estate battle to wipe out massive debts and legal costs following the artist's death last August.

The trustees were extremely reluctant to do this Annie Hall-Smith, Lenkiewicz Foundation chairman

They are not only trying to clear debts of more than £1m, but they are also trying to secure a suitable home for the entire Lenkiewicz collection.

Trustees said they were saddened by the latest decision to sell Mr Lenkiewicz's precious books, but it was the only alternative to selling more of his paintings.

Annie Hall-Smith, chairman of the Lenkiewicz Foundation, said the decision to sell the books had caused "deep concern".

"The trustees were extremely reluctant to do this, but they recognise that Robert was very much seen as a Plymouth painter," she said.