The family of Syd Barrett have stated that part of the monies raised from the auction of his final belongings, to be held at Cheffins Auctioneers in Cambridge, his home town, on 29th November, will be used for educational development within the art world.

Syd Barrett trained at Camberwell Art School in London where his talents as an artist were developed. Syd always considered himself more an artist than a musician and the family would like Syd to be remembered in the future not only as a talented musician but also as someone whose love of art was with him most strongly in his final days.

The picture to the right is probably the most recent of Syd’s signed paintings to have survived. The still life with lemons and green bottles on a shelf is signed lower right on the mount and is signed and dated ‘RB Jan 06’, painted 6 months before his death. As Syd would paint and then destroy his canvasses this is one of the rare paintings still in existence and will be amongst the items auctioned on the 29th.

Both of his bikes, which he had used every day for visits to the local shops and pub, were hand painted by him and will be included in the sale.

Other items will include several pieces of furniture which Syd customised or made himself, along with the easel, paints and paint table which Syd used regularly to paint.

The History of Art and Art in general were great loves of his, and this is seen in his artwork, his library and his writings, some of which were to be the foundations of an Art History book he was writing. The sale will also include other lots of various books, homemade speakers and a classical guitar.

Viewing for the sale will take place from the previous Sunday and a full colour catalogue is available to order. The sale will also be available to view online at www.cheffins.co.uk.

Cheffins Auctioneers advise that you can bid in a number of ways. For those who are unable to attend in person, you will be able to bid live through the internet (via eBay and Liveauctioneers.com). Alternatively you can bid directly over the phone. More details are at their website.

Our thanks to Lisa at Cheffins for her continued help.