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BY ALBERT CHEN
A momentous chapter of Tibetan history is set to come alive at Bonhams in London on 4 June 2025, as the esteemed auction house presents the Collection and Archive of Sir Basil Gould, the British diplomat who played a key role in the enthronement of the 14th Dalai Lama in 1940. The sale, taking place at Bonhams New Bond Street, is expected to attract global interest, with highlights including a series of original watercolours depicting the historic event and never-before-auctioned artifacts documenting Britain’s engagement in Tibet.
Among the most striking pieces in the collection are 40 original watercolours by celebrated Indian artist Krishna Kanwal, vividly illustrating Sir Basil Gould’s 1940 mission to Lhasa. These exceptional artworks, which portray key figures and moments from the Dalai Lama’s enthronement, carry an estimated value of £180,000–250,000 ($228,060–$316,750).
Complementing this visual record are two rare portraits by Kanwal: one of the Dalai Lama as a young boy before assuming his spiritual role (estimate: £70,000–100,000, or $88,690–$126,700) and another depicting his enthronement ceremony (estimate: £150,000–200,000, or $190,050–$253,400).
The enthronement of the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was a deeply spiritual and ceremonious affair. Following the passing of the 13th Dalai Lama in 1933, Tibetan religious authorities embarked on an arduous search, guided by visions and omens, to identify his reincarnation. The discovery of a young boy in Amdo, who demonstrated an uncanny ability to recognize sacred objects from his predecessor’s life, led to his recognition as the Dalai Lama.
On 22 February 1940, amidst the resonant chants of monks and the reverberation of Tibetan longhorns, the four-year-old spiritual leader was enthroned in a grand ceremony in Lhasa’s Norbulingka Palace. Sir Basil Gould, as the British government’s official representative, bore witness to this historic occasion, later remarking on the child’s extraordinary presence and wisdom beyond his years.
The auction will also feature Sir Basil Gould’s extensive personal archive, offering an unprecedented window into Tibet’s past. Included are seven photograph albums containing over 1,500 images from Gould’s 1936–1937 British Mission to Lhasa (estimate: £20,000–30,000, or $25,340–$38,010), along with a collection of 16mm Kodachrome cine film capturing life in Tibet and rare footage screened for King George VI and Queen Elizabeth at Balmoral in 1937 (estimate: £500–800, or $634–$1,014).
Further significant lots include Gould’s diplomatic uniform by Ranken & Co., Calcutta (estimate: £300–500, or $380–$634), his medals and decorations (estimate: £400–600, or $507–$760), and an assortment of rare Tibetan manuscripts and books, notably his 1941 report on the recognition and enthronement of the 14th Dalai Lama, presented in both English and Tibetan (estimate: £300–500, or $380–$634).
In addition to these historic artifacts, the sale will include a selection of Buddhist art, such as an 18th/19th-century parcel-gilt Buddha figure set (estimate: £8,000–12,000, or $10,136–$15,204), a 19th-century thangka of Tsangpa Karpo (estimate: £1,500–2,000, or $1,901–$2,534), and an early Ming Dynasty cloisonné enamel incense burner (estimate: £10,000–15,000, or $12,670–$19,005).
Giles Peppiatt, Bonhams Group Head of Pictures, described the Gould Collection as “a rare and profoundly important historical archive, shedding light on the cultural and political landscape of Tibet and the British presence in the Himalayas. Many of these items have never been seen on the open market, and we anticipate strong interest from collectors, institutions, and historians alike.”
Ahead of the auction, a public exhibition of these extraordinary works will be held at Bonhams New Bond Street from 1–3 June 2025, offering an exclusive glimpse into a pivotal moment in Tibetan and British diplomatic history. With its blend of historical intrigue, artistic significance, and diplomatic legacy, the sale of the Gould Collection promises to be an unmissable event for collectors and scholars alike, providing a rare opportunity to own a piece of Tibetan history.
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