issue 79 APRIL – MAY 2019
LEONARD
April
Modern Design Monday 8 April, 6.30pm / MELBOURNE Luxury Tuesday 9 April, 6pm / MELBOURNE Prints & Multiples Wednesday 10 April, 6pm / MELBOURNE The Newlyn Antiques Auction Sunday 14 April , 12pm / MELBOURNE The Ed Clark Collection
may
Monday 29 April, 6.30pm / MELBOURNE Australiana Thursday 2 May, 2pm / MELBOURNE The Property of a Gentleman Tuesday 7 May, 6.30pm / SYDNEY Asian Works of Art Sunday 19 May, 2pm / MELBOURNE Decorative Arts Monday 20 May, 6.30pm / MELBOURNE
JUNE
auction calendar —
Jewels Monday 3 June, 6.30pm / SYDNEY Fine Art Tuesday 4 June, 6.30pm / MELBOURNE Specialist Rugs Thursday 13 June, 2pm / MELBOURNE Luxury Wednesday 26 June, 6pm / MELBOURNE Prints & Multiples Wednesday 26 June, 6pm / MELBOURNE The Thursday Auction Furniture & Interiors – 10am Jewellery – 10.30am Art Salon – 11.30am Books & Objects – 12pm MELBOURNE
LEFT: ONE OF SEVEN
COVER: ARNE JACOBSEN 'SWAN'
SCANDINAVIAN PURPLE VESSELS $400 – 600 Modern Design Auction, Monday 8 April
CHAIR FOR FRITZ HANSEN $1,000 – 1,200 Modern Design Auction, Monday 8 April
welcome —
This Issue FROM THE DIRECTOR 3 100 Years of Collecting THE CENTENARY SERIES 4 My Leonard Joel: with Norman Rosenblatt FEATURE 6 Mirka Moments
Welcome to the new look, centenary Leonard!
AUCTIONS
In this issue, we're delighted to present the Centenary Series: My Leonard Joel, in which we step into the home of our collectors and find out why they love buying at auction. We also share our favourite Mirka moments from the recent studio auction and present insights and highlights from past and upcoming auctions.
8 Fine Art: Australian Moderns
Finally, there's our new feature, 5 Minutes With... in which we introduce you to a Leonard Joel team member and of course, our regular 22nd Report on our ongoing campaign to end the auction trade in ivory and rhino horn.
22 Luxury
Enjoy!
10 Jewels: The Art of Adornment 12 Private Collections: The Edward Clark Collection of Furniture & Objects The Property of a Gentleman 16 Asian Art: More than just Tea 18 Decorative Arts: Orthodox Icons: A History The Estate of Karen Bidwill 20 Modern Design: The Legendary Shulim Krimper – 23 Prints In Focus 24 5 Minutes with... Moi Rogers 23 The 22nd Report: St Kilda to Brussels JOIN US 26 Connect & Buy with Leonard Joel 29 Contact a Leonard Joel Specialist
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— profile —
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— from the director —
100 Years
of Collecting —
Collecting, or decorating, in our centenary year.
In our 100th year as an auction house, it excites me how diverse and adventurous our marketplace, for both buyers and sellers, has become. The preserve of formal furniture and decorative arts such as silver and porcelain, as well as the traditional notions of how a collection should be formed or an interior decorated, no longer restrict or define us. Auction Houses are now browsing and buying destinations where traditional collecting ‘categories’ are being either replaced or expanded by a new thinking and attitude, free of constraint. This is mostly driven by decorators, who move away from accumulating a cabinet of curiosities or creating a carefully curated interior, and instead, decorate the person or the home as an expression of themselves. At the beginning of April, these themes come together during Leonard Joel’s Design Week when we simultaneously showcase three of our hottest new auction ‘categories’: Modern Design, Prints & Multiples and Luxury. In our South Yarra gallery spaces you will be able to wear a Hermès handbag over your wrist, recline on a day bed by Australian master craftsman Krimper, or ponder the subject matter of a print by British street artist, Banksy. This, for me, is what is splendid about auctions in the 21st century; less about collecting, and more about shopping, the auction room is now more accessible and is more fun for it! JOHN ALBRECHT
Managing Director / National Head of Collections
A KELLY 28 BAG BY HERMÈS styled in orange Togo leather with silver metal hardware, with detachable long strap, stamped L (2008), 28 × 22 × 10 cm, boxed. $6,000 – $8,000
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— The Centenary Series —
My LEONARD JOEL — with Norman Rosenblatt
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— The Centenary Series —
BELOW: Danila Vassilieff (1897–1958) My Wife Lizaveta 1947 (detail).
To celebrate our centenary, we’re stepping into the home of our clients, to find out why they buy at auction, and what it is they love about it. In the first of our Centenary Series, we interviewed art collector, Norman Rosenblatt. Watch out for the video coming soon!
Can you remember your first visit to Leonard Joel? I first visited Leonard Joel as a young boy, from around 14 years of age – I used to wag school on Thursdays to visit the auctions! It was like a wonderland to me. You’d see so many treasures; and the characters that used to go there – the dealers, the collectors – they were as interesting as the pieces they bought. What was the first piece you bought at Leonard Joel? I remember, and in fact, I still have the first piece I bought at Leonard Joel. It was a painting of a child, that speaks to me now just as much as it spoke to me then. I paid one guinea for it, with my pocket money, and that was a lot of money for me at the time. I didn’t know who the artist was and I still don’t, but it just spoke to me – it had an innocence about it – and the way it was painted, it’s just beautiful. I still love it now as much as did then. Do you consider yourself a collector or do you simply buy what you like when you see it? I spend around two hours a day looking at catalogues, all over the world. I find it so fascinating. I do a lot of research on well-known and not so well-known artists, in Australia and overseas – I like to support artists whose work I believe should be more recognised – and these are the works I am often drawn to. My two rules, which I never veer away from are; Do you love it? Can you afford it? If the answer to both is yes, I buy it! What do you enjoy about buying at auction? Is it the element of discovery, or the excitement of not knowing whether or not you'll secure the winning bid? For me, it’s the element of discovery, of uncovering something beautiful. I listen to French and Italian music – I don’t speak a word of French or Italian, but the music speaks to me. For me, it’s the same with art. When you hear or see something, or discover something of beauty, it’s a sensation – your eye speaks to your brain. Do you have a favourite piece you've bought at Leonard Joel or a piece you wish you'd won, but lost at auction? It’s rare for me to miss a piece at auction! As I said, I do a lot of research so I generally know what is coming up. I also visit auctions a lot, and am very involved in the art world. I've almost missed a family wedding once, (because of an auction!), but I rarely miss an auction!
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— feature —
MIRKA MOMENTS —
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— feature —
MIRKA MORA (1928–2018) Figure Riding Bird Sold for $4,960 OPPOSITE: Shaun Mitchell
and Anna Grassham (stylists extraordinaire) Below TOP: Fine Art Consultant,
Sophie Ullin in conversation with William Mora Below BOTTOM:
The Magical Studio of Mirka Mora at Leonard Joel
A month on from The Magical Studio of Mirka Mora, we look back on what was one of the most extraordinary auctions ever held at Leonard Joel, and one that we know will remain a favourite with all of us, for many years to come. However, for Anna Grassham, curator of the auction, it was particularly special… ‘The opportunity to curate The Magical Studio of Mirka Mora was one of the most special and rewarding experiences for me, professionally and personally. From the very beginning, when I met William Mora at Mirka's studio in Tanner Street, Richmond I felt an overwhelming sense of spirit and joy. Her vivacious, fun- loving personality and her love of life was everywhere. In the months that followed, I discovered treasures and fragments of a life lived to the fullest. Sadly, I never had the chance to meet Mirka, although I felt her presence as I unpacked the many boxes, drawers and trunks and decided where to place each and every item so that her studio was authentically recreated. There are moments in all of our lives that we know will stay with us forever, and for me, this is one of them. I thank William and the Mora family for trusting me, and allowing me to bring her studio to life. And most of all, I thank Mirka, for making me realise it is perfectly fine to be extravagant, because life is short. So, live it well! Anna Grassham
Curator, The Magical Studio of Mirka Mora
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— AUCTIONS —
FINE ART Australian Moderns
MIRKA MORA (1928-2018) Untitled Mural Sold for $96,100
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— AUCTIONS —
“Shrieks of delight were heard by winning bidders throughout as they secured a treasured piece of Mirka’s unique legacy.”
Next Fine Art Auction Tues 4 June, 6.30pm MELBOURNE
Reflecting on the last twelve months, many of our most defining auction moments have centred on the Australian moderns. These artists have led the charge in both sale results and industry discussion which looks to continue throughout 2019. In our Fine Art auction, in June 2018, we were fortunate enough to present three important Australian works of art from The De Stoop Collection by artists Charles Blackman and Joy Hester. Hester’s Girl with Cocky went on to achieve a record price for the artist at $316,727 when it sold to a delighted private collector. Competition for these three paintings was high, and upon the final fall of the hammer the room erupted in applause. Hester’s record price also speaks volumes to the market focus on women artists who have for so long been overshadowed by their male counterparts. The beginning of 2019 saw Mirka Mora take her rightful place amongst her modernist colleagues with the historic auction of The Magical Studio of Mirka Mora going under the hammer. Collectors, institutions, and enthusiastic members of the public all crowded together to witness auction records being made as Mirka’s large Untitled mural, which once hung at Tolarno's, sold to Heide Museum of Modern Art. Shrieks of delight were heard by winning bidders throughout the auction as they secured a treasured piece of Mirka’s unique legacy. It is these key moments in art history that not only cement an artist’s place in history, and their market value, but also pave the way for the next generation! OLIVIA FULLER / Head of Art
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— auctions —
Jewels The Art of Adornment
An important emerald and diamond suite Sold for $372,000
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— auctions —
BELOW: An extraordinary rare antique natural pearl Sold for $146,000 (an Australian auction record)
“Jewellery is designed to decorate and to enjoy. Start your collection, open those drawers and wear it!” Since the beginning of time, humans have adorned
An intimate art form, jewellery is often created or
their bodies and as such, jewellery is one of the oldest
commissioned to reflect an individual’s stature and
forms of decorative arts.
/ or personality. Jewellery can flatter and enhance the
From early materials such as shells, feathers, bone and teeth, dating as far back as the paleolithic period (c.25,000 – 18,000BC), through to metals such as copper,
human form. It can draw attention to specific parts of the body, framing a face, or encircling a neck to rest on the décolletage.
gold, platinum and silver, precious and semi-precious
Above all, however, jewellery is designed always,
stones, jewellery has been designed to embellish or
to decorate and to enjoy.
distinguish the wearer. Often symbolic, jewellery has also defined cultural, social or religious status within a community. The use of basic materials such as shells, bone and teeth later progressed to drilled, polished and graded
So, peruse our catalogues to build on or start your collection, or just open those drawers or safes where it may be tucked away and… wear it and enjoy it! Julie Foster / Head of Jewels
stones, and evolved further with the discovery of gold and other precious metals and more precise lapidary and refined metal-work techniques. Now, in the modern Next Jewels Auction Mon 3 June, 6.30pm SYDNEY
world, we produce intricately hand and machine crafted pieces. The advent of technology has allowed for a great reduction of what once would have been laborious hours of work done by hand.
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— AUCTIONS —
PRIVATE COLLECTIONs
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— AUCTIONS —
The Edward Clark Collection of Furniture & Objects
ABOVE: An Italian Carrara
Marble Dining Table by Angelo Mangiarotti, circa 1980 73 × 180 × 90 cm $6,000 – 8,000 OPPOSITE: An Italian Clear
and Blue Glass Chandelier 95 × 78 cm $2,500 – 3,500
Auction Mon 29 April, 6.30pm MELBOURNE
Edward Clark is a veteran of the Melbourne antiques
256 lots, the collection featured a significant selection
trade and in over fifty years, he has had nine antique
of royal carriages. Edward’s highlight was not only
shops in Melbourne and three in the countryside.
tendering the collection, but having the opportunity
Edward’s life of collecting began as a schoolboy; his
to meet the Maharajah in person.
parents were avid collectors, but he also confesses that
Another highlight in his career was his one-year feature
living near the old Toorak tip, which he visited frequently
on Bert Newton’s Good Morning Australia as the
as a young boy, is where he began his life of ‘trading’.
resident antiques valuer, where he would promote
He would retrieve abandoned objects and then frequent
upcoming Leonard Joel auction offerings.
the antique stores on High Street, Armadale to sell his discovered treasures. It is here that he believes he truly became ‘obsessed with’ antiques and curiosities, and at the age of 17, Edward opened his first antique store. It was around this time that his relationship with Kozminsky’s and the Albrecht family began. Kurt Albrecht, former owner of Kozminksy’s and author of 19th Century Australian Gold and Silversmiths was an important influence for Edward and his interest in Australian Silver. Edward and Kurt shared a passion for Australian colonial silver, and during their friendship, Kurt mentored Edward on the subject. Leonard Joel has also been a long-standing part of Edward’s life. The most memorable moment Edward recalls was in 1974, when Leonard Joel sold the collection of India's Maharajah of Mysore. This collection was negotiated by Edward on behalf of Leonard Joel from India, and was, at the time the largest collection to be imported into Australia. Although comprising only
It was this longstanding relationship with Leonard Joel and the Albrecht family, that led to Edward deciding to offer his remaining stock in trade and personal collection at auction with us. Some of Edward’s personal favourites in the upcoming auction include a stylish 1980s Carrera marble table designed by Angelo Mangiarotti, and a Murano two tone glass chandelier and matching wall sconces. Edward’s passion for Murano glass and lighting is inspired by his early memories of the European shopfronts which displayed the chandeliers sumptuously hanging above elaborate centre tables. After 50 years of shopkeeping Edward is looking forward to winding down his business and focusing on consulting. We are delighted to be offering his diverse collection of modern and traditional interiors at auction on 29 April. CHIARA CURCIO / Head of Decorative Arts
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— AUCTIONS —
The Property of a Gentleman
This collection, which was acquired over 50 years, offers a fascinating insight into the world of British pottery and features fine examples of Royal Doulton, Royal Worcester, Moorcroft, Martin Brothers, Bernard Moore, Wedgwood and Minton. Ceramics & Perfume Ceramic and Perfume production can both be traced back to the ancient world. And, much like the changing styles and methods involved in ceramic production, the history of perfume is inextricably linked to the discovery of new and exotic materials. It was the French aristocracy who popularised the use of perfume throughout 18th century Europe. Within Georgian England it was primarily apothecaries who sold perfume, with Jewellers and trinket shops also selling perfume and a wide range of perfume containers. Josiah Wedgwood’s first mention of ‘smelling bottles’ was in April 1788 when writing to his son, Josiah II. Wedgwood’s neoclassical elegance stood out from the pieces produced by other porcelain houses of the time, in the renowned blue and white jasperware and in the style of Greek and Roman classical sculpture.
TOP: A LARGE DOULTON
LAMBETH, GEORGE TINWORTH FIGURE GROUP From the Going to the Derby series, titled Lost And Serves Them Right For Betting $4,000 – 6,000
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LEFT: A selection of perfume bottles by Wedgwood
— AUCTIONS —
The basic colours of 18th Century jasperware are black,
There are fine examples of Tinworth's red terracotta relief
blue or sea green. Jasperware with a white background
sculptures – Satan Tempting Christ to Make Bread from
and blue detailing are much rarer, with pieces bearing
a Stone, and David’s Law in glazed terracotta. Another
a yellow or amber background being even more so.
highlight is Lost and Serves Them Right for Betting,
We are delighted to offer a selection of 18th Century Wedgwood jasperware scent bottles as part of this collection. We are also delighted to include a strong selection of ceramics by George Tinworth (1854–1913), who was responsible for some of the most distinctive and inventive examples of ceramic art to come from Royal Doulton’s
which blends Tinworth’s amusing animal groups with a moralistic angle, perhaps drawing from the deprivation Tinworth experienced during his early formative years. Other highlights include a rare selection of Chinese jade and Flambe Sung works by Charles Noke, finely painted pieces by George White, Allen, Dewsberry,
LEFT: A fine collection of Royal Doulton Sung Flambe by Charles Noke RIGHT: A DOULTON SALTGLAZE
FRAMED GEORGE TINWORTH RECTANGULAR TILE Titled and written in script; David's Law and Men of Belial BUT as HIS part IS that GOETH down TO the BATTLE so SHALL his PART be THAT tarieth BY the STUFF THEY SHALL PART ALIKE circa 1885 $1,500 – 2,500
Piper, Bilton, Harradine, Hannah and Florence Barlow, Curnock, Simeon, amongst others. An extensive selection
Auction
of limited-edition loving cups and jugs, completes this
Tues 7 May, 6.30pm
Tinworth was a naturally gifted artist, who while
venerable collection which includes an extremely rare
SYDNEY
recognised as having potential as a teenager, was limited
George Washington loving cup prototype.
factory in Lambeth, South London.
by his family’s extreme poverty. In 1867 he made the decision to pawn his overcoat to pay for lessons at the local Lambeth School of Art, followed by The Royal Academy of Art. After graduating from The Royal Academy, Tinworth was one of the first artists to join Royal Doulton. He went to on to swiftly advance his career, producing vases and jugs alongside his well-known humorous figures and animals.
From the Martin Brothers, there are a number of pieces rarely seen on the Australian market, along with an impressive selection of fine works by Bernard Moore. Royal Worcester is well represented with works by both Harry and John Stinton, Johnson, Bott and Baldwin alongside Minton Pâte-sur-pâte, early 19th century reform flasks and Daisy Makeig-Jones fairyland lustre.
In his first year, he exhibited thirty examples of his work
Finally, there is a strong selection of Penfolds Grange
at the 1867 Paris Exhibition.
Hermitage vintage from 1963, 65, 66 and 76 and a fine
For Tinworth and his contemporaries, religious pieces, in terracotta relief were his greatest achievements, and became highly admired and sought after. The religious
array of Australian art by artists such as D’arcy Doyle, Kevin Best, Graham Cox, John McCartin and Raymond Ward-Thompson.
moral subject of the pieces referring back to antiquity was aimed to reflect the skill, virtue and academic merit of the artist.
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— auctions —
Asian Art More than just tea
Tea is more than just tea. This is certainly so in China and Japan. And perhaps, it could even be said, in England too! Legend has it that the mythical Chinese Emperor, Shennong, had a servant boil a pot of water for him, and into that pot, unbeknownst to either, a leaf of the camellia sinensis fell. The resultant brew was both intriguing and satisfying; and a tradition was born. Tea has now been enjoyed by people from all walks of life for over two thousand years. It was used in ch’an (Zen) Buddhism as a stimulant to keep practitioners awake for meditation. Amongst Chinese literati in the Ming and Qing dynasties it was used as an aide for scholarly discussion between friends, where the literati would engage in elegant pursuits together like painting,
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Methods of making tea have changed dramatically over the millennia. In China’s Tang Dynasty, the tea-leaves were boiled directly in water. In the Song Dynasty this method was discarded and unfermented green tea was ground into a powder and mixed with hot water to create a bright green tea drink. It was this style that travelled to Japan in the Kamakura period, along with Ch’an Buddhist teachings, and dark glazed Jianyao tea bowls from Fujian province, all three of which remain deeply influential on Japanese culture to this day. Then in the Ming Dynasty, a new tea drinking style came to prominence, that of adding hot water (below boiling temperature) to whole tea leaves. Along with this new style, new equipment was required, and the elegant unglazed purplish brown or red vessels from Yixing became the literatus’ teapot of choice.
poetry construction, and appreciation of antiques. It
This new Ming Dynasty style also travelled to Japan,
was also used by nobility, and then more and more by
in the 16th century along with new Ch’an teachings.
merchant admirers as a focal point in lavish parties.
And thus, the tradition in Japan of sencha was born.
— auctions —
left: A LONGEVITY PEACH
TEAPOT, CHEN ZHENGCHU (1958–), CIRCA 2006 YIXING ZISHA, CHINA $800 – 1,200
middle: A FORTUNE LONGEVITY ONE BEAD TEAPOT, LIU JIANFEI (BORN 1969), CIRCA 2005 YIXING ZISHA, CHINA $500 – 700
At least some of these streams gradually became codified. And to the Japanese it reached its highest perfection in the tea ceremony during the Muromachi and Momoyama periods (14th to 16th centuries), culminating in a new style proposed by tea master Sen no Rikyu (1522–1591). For Rikyu, honesty, directness and simplicity were key in tea, and his style and the implements and locations for preparing tea that he favoured reflect this, and came to epitomise the wabi sabi ethos.
right: A SMALL SQUARE TEAPOT, SHI XIAMOMA, CIRCA MID AUTUMN 1983 YIXING ZISHA, CHINA $400 – 600
“Involvement in tea deepens the understanding of high Asian culture and spirituality, and is calming to the mind.”
Implements for tea came to represent the highest level of cultural importance and artistry. Some of the most noteworthy wares are the dark glazed tea bowls of the Song, the unglazed teapots of Yixing of the Ming and Qing, the earthenware Raku and other tea-bowls of the Momoyama, and the Japanese sencha wares of the late Edo Period in Ming literati style. This year, I have begun to learn the art of the Japanese tea ceremony. Initially, this was so that I could better
understand the implements used. But now, I am discovering a new way of interacting with the world. Involvement in tea deepens the understanding of high Asian culture and spirituality, and is calming to the mind. And it is allowing me to share tea taste and tea
Next Asian Works
mind with friends.
of Art Auction
Let’s sit and drink tea together, and talk about life. Carl Wantrup / Asian Art Consultant
Sun 19 May, 2pm MELBOURNE
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— auctions —
Decorative Arts Orthodox Icons: A History
LEFT TO RIGHT:
A RUSSIAN ICON OF SAINT SERAPHIM SAROVSKY Surrounded by a Byzantine style border, painted in egg tempera, gold leaf, and gesso on wood 22.5 × 18 cm $1,200 –1,800 A RUSSIAN ICON OF ST GEORGE 19TH CENTURY Featuring the classical scene of St George slaying the dragon, painted in egg tempera, gold leaf, and gesso on wood 30 × 25.5 cm $1,500 – 2,500 A RUSSIAN ICON WITH SILVER OKLAD Depicting St Vladimir, the baptiser of Russia 22 × 17.5 cm $1,200 – 1,800
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The word icon stems from the Greek word Eikona
In May this year we will offer The Michael Edgely
meaning devotional image or figure.
Collection of Russian Icons. Within the collection
Iconography is an integral aspect of Orthodox and Catholic religion and was popularized in Medieval
are fine examples of iconography, including gold leaf, oklad adorned and hagiographic icons.
Europe during a time when religion and state ruled
Illustrated above we see the depiction of St George
together and had much influence over people’s lives.
slaying the dragon. The dragon is a symbol of evil,
The purpose of icons was to instruct and influence the beholders, who varied from the wealthy and noble to the illiterate working class. Decoration was as important as the icon itself, and was used to convey the meaning, importance and symbolism of an icon. Icons were often lusciously decorated with a gold leaf, which although expensive, was integral to conveying the divine radiance of the figure.
being conquered by St. George with a halo presiding above and a single hand, signifying the blessing of God. The myth and image were created to instil hope in the beholder, to retain the persistence of faith and as a reminder of God’s miracles. CHIARA CURCIO / Head of Decorative Arts
— auctions —
The Estate of Karen Bidwill
Recently, I had the pleasure of valuing The Estate of
Nicholas also inherited a fine collection of French, Louis
Karen Bidwill, which is part of our forthcoming Decorative
and English furniture, also passed down to Karen Bidwill.
Arts Auction. I knew immediately that this was a rare and
His mother, Hope Calthrop married the prominent
distinguished collection and what I found particularly
Lieutenant Colonel Herman de Watteville.
intriguing was its layered history and provenance.
Further provenance includes an article from the English
Karen Bidwill, who now resides in Australia, spent many
journal Country Life published 20th March 1929.
years living in London. During this time, she had a
This article provides an insight into the residence of
long friendship with a gentleman named Nicholas de
Herman and Hope de Watteville at Kings Head House,
Watteville and when Nicholas sadly passed, with no
Beaconsfield, England. It shows numerous items that
immediate family of his own, he left his estate to Karen
now form a large part of the Bidwill estate.
and one other. Thus, much of the contents of her estate are in turn, from the estate of Nicolas de Watteville.
The first photograph of the interior shows the Louis XV painting Brittany field with cattle hanging above it; the
Calthrop, an acclaimed 19th century English painter.
Georgian bookcase secretaire sits to the left. In the
One of Calthrop’s paintings is held in the Tate collection,
second photograph the set of Stuart style dining chairs
London, titled Meeting of the Scottish Jacobites circa 1878.
sit in the foreground, the Georgian corner cabinet hangs
will be offered as part of this estate. They were passed down to Nicholas from his mother, Hope de Watteville nee Calthrop, along with various articles of provenance supporting the authenticity of the paintings including a scanned copy of an original letter from the National
A LOUIS XV STYLE ROSEWOOD AND MAHOGANY POUDREUSE 19TH CENTURY $800 – $1,200
Next Decorative Arts Auction Mon 20 May, 6.30pm MELBOURNE
style poudreuse with what appears to be Cathrop’s
Nicholas de Watteville’s grandfather was Claude Andrew
A number of unsigned paintings by Claude Calthrop
A PAIR OF REGENCY BRONZE AND ORMOLU CANDLESTICKS CIRCA 1815 $1,500 – $2,500
in the rear left-hand corner and the Georgian bureau in the right-hand corner. Finally, the third photograph shows the pair of Regency bronze and ormolu candlesticks sitting on the mantelpiece, and below on the hearth, slightly obscured the pair of brass firedogs. Dominic Kavanagh / Decorative Arts Specialist
Gallery to Everard Calthrop (the artist’s son) dated 1st July 1909. The letter recognises Everard and his mother’s donation of Meeting of the Scottish Jacobites to the National Collection.
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— auctions —
MODERN DESIGN The Legendary Shulim Krimper
SCHULIM KRIMPER WALL-UNIT WITH MATCHING STOOL $10,000 – 15,000
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— auctions —
Next Modern Design Auction Mon 8 April, 6.30pm MELBOURNE
“Schulim Krimper's customers were known to wait months, sometimes years for him to finish the design of their cabinets, dining settings and even entire living rooms.”
Schulim Krimper immigrated to Australia in 1939, and from his earliest days in Melbourne, a certain mystique always surrounded his name. He went on to establish an empire, and a reputation for superb, custom-made modern furniture throughout the 1950s and 60s. Krimper was Melbourne's leading innovator and creator of forward-thinking modern designs, with exquisite talent and craftsmanship. Customers were known to wait months, sometimes years for him to finish the design of their cabinets, dining settings and even entire living rooms. He liked to be known only by his surname, and wore a dust coat with white gloves, and a French beret. Those that knew him were in awe, elevating him to the level of famous artist or sculptor. Krimper's craft developed over the years, with a fusion of different styles; elements of Europe, Scandinavia and even Asia. His pieces were organic, and celebrated the vast Australian timbers he worked with. He loved Queensland black bean, jarrah, blonde wood, cedar, complimenting them with brass and leather fittings. Still today Krimper proves that his designs are distinctive, relevant and convincing to the new generation of collectors, and design savvy buyers. A great article in The Argus from 1952 notes: 'To his clients, Krimper is always right – eventually'. An impressive selection of his designs will be included in our forthcoming Modern Design Auction in April. Anna Grassham / Head of Modern Design
SCHULIM KRIMPER DAY-BED $4,000 – 6,000
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— auctions —
Next Luxury Auction Tues 9 April, 6pm MELBOURNE
Luxury Karl Lagerfeld’s death in February sparked an outpouring of praise, celebration and reverence from the fashion world. Acknowledged as one of the most influential designers of the 20th century, Lagerfeld proved his extraordinary creative flair and vision when he took over as Chanel’s Creative Director in 1983. He reimagined Chanel’s signature pieces, such as tweed jackets, pearls, two-tone ballet flats and the ‘little black dress,’ and revitalised a brand that had become predictable and out-dated after Coco Chanel’s death in 1971. Despite introducing leather, denim and colour, Lagerfeld never diluted the brand’s sophistication, maintaining the meticulous and elegant finishes favoured by Coco herself. Lagerfeld was a Renaissance man, and had an avid interest in literature, history and popular culture, which undoubtedly informed his sartorial designs and creative
'Fashion is a game to be played seriously.' Karl Lagerfeld —
vision. Chanel's catwalk shows are always a hotly anticipated event – with Lagerfeld fusing high fashion with popular culture, film and music to create lavish and theatrical productions. The Chairman of Italy national fashion association Carlo Capasa justifiably stated that Karl Lagerfeld has ‘inspired generations and, above all, gave us the possibility to dream, with his capability to embrace the present and
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TOP: A KELLY FLAP BAG
invent the future’.
SET BY CHANEL $5,000 – 7,000
A number of exquisite pieces by Chanel will be included
ABOVE: A SHOPPING
in our upcoming Luxury Auction on 9 April.
TOTE BAG BY CHANEL $2,000 – 3,000
Bethany McGougan / Luxury Manager
— AUCTIONS —
Next Prints & Multiples Auction Wed 10 April, 6pm MELBOURNE
Prints & Multiples ‘It appears we just got Banksy’ed.’ * — The infamous scene that unfolded last October has gone down in art history as a classic piece of Banksy performance art. Hammering down as the last lot for the night, Girl With Balloon made headlines when it began to self-destruct, slipping down in its frame, stunning onlookers as it emerged from the bottom in shreds. The London auction house staff were left baffled as the work had sold for US$1.4 million only seconds before. This was just another stunt (or statement) from the illusive British street artist whose identity has never been revealed. He often teams his powerful imagery with dark humour and satire and this time was no different as Banksy posted, ‘Going, going, gone’ on his social media shortly after the stunt. The media frenzy that followed naturally elevated the
Although it was later confirmed that the whole work
artist’s already high profile and market value for his
was meant to be destroyed, but thanks to a mechanical
works. ‘Without a doubt this work is now more valuable’,
failure, it was saved. Rather than destroying an artwork,
Sotheby’s said after the auction. The winning bidder
Banksy ironically re-created one in the most dramatic
later agreed to go ahead with the sale at the same price
way possible. Two screen-print works, Barcode and
but with the new title, Love is Dead, after realising she
Love Is In The Air by Banksy will be offered in our
had purchased ‘a piece of history’. Steve Lazarides,
Prints & Multiples Auction on 10 April.
who once represented the street artist, has claimed it was ‘one of the finest pieces of performance art to have ever been pulled off’.
Lucy Foster / Art Specialist *A lex Branczik, Head of Contemporary & European Art, Sotheby's London.
TOP: BANKSY (born 1974)
Barcode 2004 screenprint 336/600 stamped lower left, numbered in pencil lower right, accompanied by certificate of authenticity $18,000 – 24,000 ABOVE: BANKSY (born 1974) Love is in the Air 2003 screenprint 76/500 numbered in pencil lower right, accompanied by certificate of authenticity and promotional material Weapons of Mass Destruction $15,000 – 20,000
leonardjoel.com.au | 23
5
— PROFILE —
Minutes with… Moi Rogers
This issue, we spent 5 minutes with Moi Rogers, who sees the most eclectic range of items every week in her role as Books & Collectables Manager. FAVOURITE MAKER / ARTIST The Japanese designer, Issey Miyake, is my ultimate
My ideal day begins with a sleep in, followed by a
favourite. But, I love the Japanese sensibility overall
home cooked breakfast and perhaps a meander along
the design and practicality, the quality, sense of fun
Gertrude Street for some browsing and shopping. And,
and of course, the innovation. I have 8 or 9 pieces by
an afternoon on Gertrude nearly always ends with a wine
Issey Miyake, ranging from the 80s to the present. I love
or two at Marion, followed by a movie and back to bed!
them all, and particularly as I don't have to iron them! FAVOURITE WORK OF ART / OBJECT / JEWEL
FAVOURITE BOOK? My Family & Other Animals by Gerard Durrell. I've been
I love ecclesiastical, religious icons and imagery. I'm not
reading it over and over since I was a young child. It
religious at all, but for some reason I'm drawn to these
always seemed like such an idyllic upbringing to me!
pieces – they're powerful and often painted or made with
Wandering with animals, and no school!
devotion and love, and again, quality. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE COFFEE / WINE? I love coffee and I travel to countries known for their coffee, such as Vietnam and Italy, with great gusto! I love wine too. My favourite wines are Australian, particularly Gippsland wines, and Rieslings...
24 | leonardjoel.com.au
YOUR IDEAL DAY IN MELBOURNE?
22
ND Report
Our ongoing campaign to cease trade of ivory and rhino horn
St Kilda to Brussels: My Meeting with The European Commission —
In February, we were honoured to be part of the official unveiling and sponsorship of artists Gillie and Marc’s compelling sculpture The Last Two on the St Kilda foreshore. The life-size sculpture depicts the final two remaining Northern White Rhinos in the wild and Leonard Joel’s sponsorship of this permanent sculpture marks our first centenary activity for 2019. Our ongoing campaign to end the auction trade in ivory did not end there. Later that month I travelled to Brussels, with the support of The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) Brussels Office, and met with MEP Catherine Bearder and her team to present our voluntary cessation policy and a formal document outlining Leonard Joel’s case for a complete ban on the auction and antiques trade in these materials. The European Union is still considering its position on this serious conservation issue and its undeniable relationship to the auction and antiques trade, and it is Leonard Joel’s hope that the EU follows the United Kingdom’s lead and implements a total ban. JOHN ALBRECHT — below: John Albrecht & MEP Catherine Bearder at the EU parliament, Brussels
leonardjoel.com.au | 25
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Contact a Leonard Joel team member or stop by a salesroom if you have any questions.
AUSTRALIAN WOMEN ARTISTS 1920–1950
18 May– 4 August 2019
Mary Alice Evatt Portrait of Moya Dyring (detail) 1938 oil on canvas, Collection: Art Gallery of Ballarat © the estate of the artist
TOP Fiona Longhurst Not titled 2004 (detail) thread, wool, embroidery 44 × 43 cm
MIDDLE Malcolm Sturrock Brooklyn Bridge 2017 (detail) ink and gouache on paper 28 × 38 cm
BOTTOM Bobby Kyriakopoulos House of Horrors 2017 (detail) gouache, greylead pencil and ink on paper 38 × 56 cm
3×3 Bobby Kyriakopoulos Fiona Longhurst Malcolm Sturrock 3 x 3 brings together three solo shows by Bobby Kyriakopoulos, Fiona Longhurst and Malcolm Sturrock, collectively exploring frozen moments in pop culture, the importance of home and nature, and our shared landscapes. "The 3 x 3 solo exhibitions aim to showcase the diverse artistic practice of the artists who work from Arts Project Australia," says Curator Sim Luttin. "The shows displays the particular aesthetic styles and interests of each artist, whether it's Bobby Kyriakopoulos's love of pop culture, Fiona Longhurst's interest in home and nature or Malcolm Sturrock's images of the city and the sea."
— Until 27 April
Gallery Hours Mon to Fri 9am–5pm Sat 10am–5pm
24 High St Northcote VIC 3070 Australia
T +61 3 9482 4484 F +61 3 9482 1852
gallery@artsproject.org.au www.artsproject.org.au
Find us on social media #artsprojectaust
— JOIN US —
Sell / Value / Buy Contact a Leonard Joel Specialist
John Albrecht
The Thursday Auction Specialists —
03 8825 5619 | john.albrecht@leonardjoel.com.au
ART SALON
MANAGING DIRECTOR & PROPRIETOR
Auction Specialists — PRIVATE COLLECTIONS John Albrecht, Head of Department 03 8825 5619 | john.albrecht@leonardjoel.com.au FINE ART Olivia Fuller, Head of Department 03 8825 5624 | olivia.fuller@leonardjoel.com.au JEWELS Julie Foster, Head of Department 03 8825 5605 | julie.foster@leonardjoel.com.au
Lucy Foster, Art Specialist 03 8825 5630 | lucy.foster@leonardjoel.com.au FURNITURE Toby Lennox-Hilton, Manager 03 8825 5640 | toby.lennox-hilton@leonardjoel.com.au JEWELLERY Bethany McGougan, Manager 03 8825 5645 | bethany.mcgougan@leonardjoel.com.au OBJECTS, BOOKS & COLLECTABLES Moira Rogers, Manager 03 8825 5604 | moira.rogers@leonardjoel.com.au
Chiara Curcio, Head of Department
Valuations —
03 8825 5635 | chiara.curcio@leonardjoel.com.au
Caroline Tickner, Head of Department
DECORATIVE ARTS
Hamish Clark, Head of Department, Sydney 02 9362 9045 | hamish.clark@leonardjoel.com.au MODERN DESIGN Anna Grassham, Head of Department 03 8825 5637 | anna.grassham@leonardjoel.com.au COLLECTABLES Nora Merralls, Manager 03 8825 5625 | nora.merralls@leonardjoel.com.au LUXURY Bethany McGougan, Manager 03 8825 5645 | bethany.mcgougan@leonardjoel.com.au
03 8825 5638 | caroline.tickner@leonardjoel.com.au
Marketing & Communications — Nicole Kenning, Head of Department 03 8825 5620 | nicole.kenning@leonardjoel.com.au Kim Soep, Coordinator 03 8825 5620 | kim.soep@leonardjoel.com.au Maria Rossi, Graphic Artist Adam Obradovic, Videographer & Photographer Joseph Hammond, Videographer & Photographer
Sale Rooms — MELBOURNE 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne VIC 3141 Telephone: 03 9826 4333 SYDNEY The Bond, 36–40 Queen Street, Woollahra, Sydney NSW 2025 Leonard Design: Liz Cox, studiomono.co
Telephone: 02 9362 9045
leonardjoel.com.au | 29
— profile —
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