The art and antiques collection of David White, former Editor of The Royal Gazette, is to go under the hammer this week.

And Andrea Casling, of auctioneers Hammers, which is handling the sale of Mr White’s estate, said: “This is a major event — it’s what we term in the antiques business an important sale.

“It is hugely important and his collection is exquisite. This is one of the most significant estates I have ever handled.”

Mr White, who died last year, had already turned over nearly 50 paintings from his massive art collection to the Bermuda National Gallery.

But Ms Casling said he had kept several works, many of Bermuda scenes, often by significant artists who painted in the American Impressionist style.

The collection includes a painting by Prosper Senat of what is now Harbour Road, Paget, and one by Frank Waller of the Natural Arch, known as the Natural Arches in Bermuda, near the Mid Ocean Club.

The landmark was destroyed by Hurricane Fabian in 2003.

Another painting, by William Chadwick, shows Hamilton Harbour from the Paget shore, featuring the old Hamilton Hotel and an early cruise ship docked in the harbour.

The collection, which will be auctioned off over three days, also includes bronze statues, silver, Bermuda cedar and other furniture, antique carpets, antique maps, crystal and china.

Cedar items include a dining table and chairs, tea tables, a chest and a corner chair.

Ms Casling added: “His collection is exquisite — there are a number of wonderful bronzes by Desmond Fountain and others, and the cedar furniture is especially good as well.”

And she said: “The artwork is extraordinary and I believe it will command a great deal of interest at the auction.”

Ms Casling added: “Hallmarked silver is another category of the auction and there are four exquisite candlesticks, Georgian flatsilver, a large silver service and many other decorative pieces.

“David also collected bronzes and there are five works by local sculptor Desmond Fountain as well as other artists’ works.”

And she said: “I’ve already held private previews for interested parties and the response has been excellent.”

Mr White, who was head of the Bermuda National Gallery for 11 years until he stepped down as chairman in 2008, gifted 48 paintings to the country several years ago.

Ms Casling said: “He did it for a number of reasons — not the least of which was to encourage others to do the same.

“He loved Bermuda and loved Bermuda art and that shines through in the collection we are offering for sale.”

Mr White’s collection will be on sale over three days at the Elbow Beach Hotel in Paget.

Previews for session one, to start at 8pm on Thursday, will be held on Wednesday between 3pm and 8pm and on Thursday between 10am and 3pm.

The first part of the sale will feature furniture, bronzes and collectibles, as well as hand-knotted carpets, silverware and crystal.

The second session will be held on Saturday, April 12, starting at 10am.

The third starts at 12 noon on Sunday, April 13. Previews for sessions two and three of the auction will be held on Thursday, April 10 between 10am and 6.30pm and Friday, April 11 from 10am to 4pm.

The catalogue for the last two sessions is still being prepared.

For further information, contact hammers@ibl.bm or visit www.hammers.bm.