The Adventurous Life of a Real-Life Indiana Jones
The remarkable collection of religious artefacts assembled by Ryszard Holowenko, often compared to the fictional treasure hunter Indiana Jones, will go under the hammer following his tragic death during a quest in India.
The 75-year-old adventurer from Tamworth spent more than five decades accumulating treasures from around the world, transforming his home into a museum of religious art spanning two centuries.
A Lifetime of Exploration Cut Short
Mr Holowenko's extraordinary journey came to an end in November last year when he died from suspected dengue fever in Kochi, India. He had been on a birthday quest to find more religious artefacts on the sub-continent, continuing the passion that had driven him for over half a century.
His son Marek, 47, shared: "My dad spent his life searching. He was extremely motivated and driven in collecting religious artifacts, especially Orthodox iconography. In all sense and purposes this artistry was his life. These items drove him to explore the world."
He added that his father was "well-studied and well-read" with "a good eye" for knowing exactly what he was looking for.
The Extraordinary Collection
More than 100 items from Holowenko's collection will be sold by Richard Winterton Auctioneers in their upcoming Antique & Home Sale. The collection primarily features Orthodox icons from Greek, Ukrainian and Russian schools dating from the 18th to early 20th centuries.
The technical diversity of the pieces is remarkable, with most icons created from tempera on wood, alongside examples of:
- Chromolithographic prints on metal
- Painted enamel works
- Linen with copper needlework
- Wooden sculptures
- Wood panel icons
Well-known saints featured include Saint George, represented in Greek, Russian, and Ukrainian styles. Some icons are adorned with an oklad or riza - decorated covers that protected the painted surface from candle smoke while honouring the image. Several of these protective covers in the collection are hallmarked from St Petersburg and Moscow.
From Coventry to the World
Ryszard Holowenko's story began in Coventry, where he was one of the first British-born babies to Polish immigrants following the Second World War. His parents helped establish the Polish Catholic parish in the city, laying the foundation for his lifelong connection to religious art.
The father-of-two became a respected, prominent member of the Polish community and in Polish Catholic circles throughout the Midlands. His professional career in sales and pharmaceuticals took him around the world, allowing him to reach far-flung places and pursue his passion for collecting religious artefacts off the beaten track.
This unique combination of global travel and dedicated collecting earned him comparisons with Indiana Jones, the fictional movie treasure hunter known for his adventurous spirit.
Notable Pieces and Cultural Significance
The collection includes several unusual and striking pieces that make it particularly significant. Alongside representations of well-known saints, there are more obscure religious figures and several lots featuring demons within the imagery - an uncommon subject in Orthodox iconography.
Additional lots include:
- Polish and Russian bronze sculptures
- Eastern European carved folk art
- Poor soul purgatory statuettes
- Hindu sacred cow statues
- 20th century bronzes
- Modern wooden carvings
- Indo-Persian miniatures
A spokesperson for Richard Winterton Auctioneers described it as "a remarkable selection showcasing the artistry, spirituality and symbolism of multiple cultures and centuries."
Auction Details and Legacy
The collection will be sold at The Lichfield Auction Centre on Wood End Lane, Fradley Park, during the Antique & Home Sale on Monday, November 10, starting at 9am. Viewing takes place on Friday, November 7, between 10am and 4pm, with the catalogue available online a week beforehand.
Proceeds from the sale will go to Christian mission work, continuing Holowenko's connection to religious causes. His legacy lives on not only through the artefacts he carefully collected but through the stories of adventure and discovery that characterised his remarkable life.
The auction represents a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to acquire pieces from a collection built with passion, expertise and a genuine spirit of adventure that truly embodied the Indiana Jones comparison.
