After the summer lull, the salerooms are back in full swing with a broad range of sales that encompass everything from long-lost Russian treasures to a painting by one of Britain’s greatest artists that hasn’t seen the light of day for almost a century. This is our pick of the most interesting auctions coming up in the UK.

South African Art
Bonhams
October 13 and 14
Bonhams seems to be leading the way with its auctions of South African art. This sale spans the whole gamut from a 1923 Jacob Pierneef landscape called “Hartebeespoortdam” at £200,000 to more modest works with estimates from £2,000. No fewer than nine works by the often under-estimated Alexis Preller coincide with the first book to be published about him since the 1950s. The best lots will be offered at New Bond Street; the less expensive pieces will be sold the following day in Bonhams’ Knightsbridge rooms.