The Harborne Collection, the Estate of Magdi Obeid

Viewing by appointment, 4th-14th March
Bonhams Knightsbridge, Montpelier Street, Knightsbridge, London, SW7 1HH

Magdi Obeid (1943-2021) was born in Khartoum, Sudan and studied medicine in Cairo, graduating in 1965. In 1967 he decided to travel to England and train in general surgery. He first worked in London. The excellence of his skill and dedication to his patients led him to progress to substantive appointments at Sheffield Children's Hospital followed by a post at Dewsbury in 1969.

He passed the fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 1969 and, in addition, the fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons, London in 1971. He was appointed as a registrar at Birmingham Children's Hospital and then as a registrar on the renal transplant unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham. His performance in the very demanding job on the renal unit impressed many of his colleagues, as did his strength of character. He was subsequently appointed as a senior registrar on the West Midlands rotation. In 1977 he was appointed as a consultant in general surgery at St Chad's Hospital, Birmingham.

In the early days of working in England, Magdi encountered some hurtful words and deeds of petty discrimination as was typical of the age. He did not allow himself to be discouraged by these and remained committed to his patients and profession.

Magdi was chairman of the division of surgery in West Birmingham from 1985 to 1988 and a member of the board of the West Birmingham Health Authority before the organisation became a trust. As chairman of the division, he exerted invaluable influence in supporting and fostering general surgery at the hospitals under his care.

Magdi was elected president of the West Midlands Surgical Society in 2003. He retired in November 2004.

Magdi met his future wife, Daisy on their first day at medical school in Cairo. They married in 1966. Daisy had a remarkable career following their move to England. In addition to raising a young family she continued work as a hospital doctor, becoming Consultant Haematologist at the Alexandra Hospital, Redditch.

Magdi developed a love of fine art, particularly British painting of the 19th and 20th centuries. From the 1980s he started collecting paintings, visiting public galleries and buying from local galleries and auctions. Magdi and Daisy were committed supporters of The Barber Institute of Fine Art, Birmingham University and Birmingham Art Gallery. After retiring he turned more of his attention to this love. The coming of the internet age facilitated his collecting activity. Eventually the family house was decorated from floor to ceiling, with paintings and artists' prints and some occasional spaces left for family photographs. He purchased over 600 pictures and family records suggest that he sold none.

Bonhams is delighted to offer this selection which reflects his deep interest and understanding of British Art, British rural life and the landscape and traditions of his adopted country.