The Amsterdam architect Ben Spangberg (1929 – 2024) grew up in Oisterwijk, Brabant. His youth was characterized by a love of flora and fauna, in which the identification, study and detailed drawing of butterflies, among other things, played a major role. At primary school, with the friars, he stood out because of his versatile interests and one of the friars gave him a book about Africa. It fascinated him enormously; a fascination he never lost.

After his HBS period in Tilburg, Spangberg left for Amsterdam where he worked for the municipality after studying architecture. In this capacity he was one of the designers of the first metro lines. After his retirement he further explored his interest in non-Western cultures. He had no clear preference in this; the entire world was the stage of his passion. This is clearly reflected in the objects we offer from him. We make a journey from Melanesia, Papua New Guinea, various countries in Africa, Mexico to Greenland.

He shared his passion with his good friend and colleague architect Kees van Strien. Together they visited exhibitions, galleries and fairs at home and abroad. Both are known as passionate collectors.

Highlights from Spangberg’s entry include: lot number 5600 Papua Golf spirit figure, lot number 5602 Papua Golf spirit board, lot number 5384, a beautiful Bongo grave marker originating from Dartevelle, Brussels, lot number 5619, an Inuit marine ivory figure and lot number 4811, a large pottery Mexico figure from the Jalisko.