kolkata christies will offer an eclectic selection of food and drinkrelated items to tempt gourmet buyers at the art of food drink sale on 16 january 2014 following the success of recent themed sales including out of the ordinary in september 2013 and the london sale in september 2012 this is a oneoff auction that will introduce connoisseurs and epicures alike to the art of food and drink the focus of some of the greatest art and design throughout history comprising over 180 lots ranging from 400 to 60000 this sale will present an emporium of painting photography kitchenalia posters and tableware the extraordinary range of items will be available to view from 20 december 2013 through to 15 january 2014 nicolas martineau head of sale commented the art of food drink is the first auction of its kind offering gourmet buyers a unique opportunity to indulge their passions for food and drink related items the sale offers everything from still lifes by old masters to iconic posters advertising famous brands fossilized crustaceans early tea cannisters picasso ceramics and early recipe books it will be a feast for the senses and with estimates starting at 400 is likely to appeal to a range of buyers including those new to christies as well as established collectors we are looking forward to welcoming buyers to our extended public exhibition which runs for over three weeks from 20 december to 15 january the top lot of the sale is a modern cocktail bar 1931 saville theatre london an evocative painting by alfred reginald thomson ra estimated to fetch between 40000 and 60000 better known as an official war artist to the royal air force alfred reginald thomson also designed posters for a whisky company and was known for his portraiture and caricatures this painting embodies the relaxed social atmosphere of theatregoers enjoying a drink during the interval at the saville theatre other key items in the sale include a campbells tomato soup can signed by the iconic artist andy warhol estimated at 15002000 warhols name has become synonymous with campbells soup cans which he used in numerous prints and art works heralding the way for pop art during the 1960s this real soup can signed by the artist is a humorous take on the image with which he is so often associated