LEONARD, issue 75, October 2018

ISSUE 75 OCTOBER 2018

SYDNEY

|

MELBOURNE

Auction Calendar Asian Art Monday 8 October 2018 – 6.30pm

MELBOURNE

Women Artists Wednesday 10 October 2018 – 6.30pm

MELBOURNE

Militaria Thursday 11 October 2018 – 2pm

MELBOURNE

Decorative Arts Monday 23 October 2018 – 6pm

SYDNEY

The Private Collection of Tori Dixon-Whittle Wednesday 31 October 2018 – 6.30pm

MELBOURNE

Modern Design Monday 12 November 2018 – 6.30pm

FITZROY

Prints & Multiples Wednesday 14 November 2018 – 6.30pm

MELBOURNE

Fine Jewels Monday 26 November 2018 – 6.30pm

MELBOURNE

Fine Art Tuesday 27 November 2018 – 6.30pm

MELBOURNE

Luxury Wednesday 28 November 2018 – 6.30pm

MELBOURNE

Decorative Arts Wednesday 12 December 2018 – 6.30pm

MELBOURNE

The Thursday Auction Furniture & Interiors – 10am Jewellery & Wristwatches – 10.30am Art Salon – 11.30am Collectables – 12pm MELBOURNE Front Cover: 214 Detail A CHINESE FAMILLE ROSE ‘BALSAM PEAR’ BOWL DAOGUANG SIX-CHARACTER SEAL MARK AND OF THE PERIOD 10.8cm diameter $1,000-2,000 VIEW IN MELBOURNE Asian Art Auction, Monday 8 October at 6.30pm

2

ERICA MCGILCHRIST (1926-2014) Abstract Wall Hanging 1966 heat-polymerising acrylic on linen 135 x 59.5cm $700-900 Women Artists Auction, Wednesday 10 October at 6.30pm

leonardjoel.com.au

Our Expertise

Almost 100 Years of Auction History...

MANAGING DIRECTOR & PROPRIETOR John Albrecht 03 8825 5619 | john.albrecht@leonardjoel.com.au

Auction Specialists PRIVATE COLLECTIONS John Albrecht, National Head of Department 03 8825 5619 | john.albrecht@leonardjoel.com.au FINE ART Sophie Ullin, National Head of Department

As our September issue of Leonard went to press, unfortunately we heard the sad news that another Australian great, Mirka Mora had passed. We dedicate this issue to Mirka and her overwhelming contribution to

03 8825 5609 | sophie.ullin@leonardjoel.com.au JEWELS John D’Agata, National Head of Department 03 8825 5605 | john.dagata@leonardjoel.com.au DECORATIVE ARTS Chiara Curcio, Head of Department, Melbourne 03 8825 5635 | chiara.curcio@leonardjoel.com.au Hamish Clark, Head of Sydney Office

the Australian Arts.

02 9362 9045 | hamish.clark@leonardjoel.com.au MODERN DESIGN Anna Grassham, Head of Department

Also in this issue, we announce our exciting change of

03 8825 5637 | anna.grassham@leonardjoel.com.au COLLECTABLES

address in Sydney, learn about a Tibetan painting of

Nora Merralls, Manager

Vajrasattva from the 13/14th century, share a Q&A with

LUXURY

Tori-Dixon Whittle about her upcoming collection and give an insight into the under-recognised Australian

03 8825 5625 | nora.merralls@leonardjoel.com.au

Bethany McGougan, Manager 03 8825 5645 | bethany.mcgougan@leonardjoel.com.au

The Thursdays Auction Specialists ART SALON Lucy Foster, Art Specialist

artist Erica McGilchrist.

03 8825 5630 | lucy.foster@leonardjoel.com.au

FURNITURE Toby Lennox-Hilton, Manager

We hope you enjoy the read and look forward to seeing you in Melbourne or Sydney soon.

03 8825 5640 | furniture@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

Valuations Caroline Tickner, Head of Department 03 8825 5638 | caroline.tickner@leonardjoel.com.au

Marketing & Communications Nicole Kenning, Head of Department 03 8825 5620 | nicole.kenning@leonardjoel.com.au Claire Mazzone, Manager 03 8825 5620 | claire.mazzone@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 Telephone: 02 9362 9045

leonardjoel.com.au

3

THE BOND, 36-40 QUEEN STREET WOOLLAHRA 4

leonardjoel.com.au

The BOND As we march closer to our centenary

our client’s tastes and buying habits. Our

areas; Private Collections, Decorative

Clark, Head of our Sydney office, and

year, I am delighted to announce our

new premises within the historic “Bond”

Arts, Fine Art and Jewels. This move

will present several diverse Private

move into a larger and more versatile

building in Woollahra will do just that.

(literally across the road!) will enable our

Collections within the one auction.

viewing and auction space in Sydney,

Our

grown

Sydney clients to enjoy both viewing and

I do hope you can join us in celebrating

just over the road from our existing

significantly since our watershed auction

auctions within the one contemporary

our move, and our first viewing and

space, within the heart of the art,

last year of The Estate of James Fairfax

open plan space. The building itself has

auction in our new building, later this

antiques and boutique interiors district

AC and this has prompted our move

a grandeur and history to it that positions

month.

on Queen Street, Woollahra.

into a larger, more functional space with

it as the most impressive period venue

The relevance of a 21st century auction

a more contemporary feel. Designed

on Queen Street and behind this three

house, as a dynamic marketplace for

as a single, open plan space, the new,

level facade, we look forward to bringing

new and traditional sellers, buyers

easily accessible ground floor gallery

it to life with single-owner and thematic

and collectors, depends on providing

and auction room will enhance the

auctions. Our first auction at The Bond,

products and viewing spaces that reflect

presentation and sale of our four focus

has been beautifully curated by Hamish

NSW

business

has

JOHN ALBRECHT, MANAGING DIRECTOR AND NATIONAL HEAD OF COLLECTIONS

leonardjoel.com.au

5

FINE ART

JOHN OLSEN (born 1928) The Coorong 2006 oil on board 91 x 95.5cm $70,000-90,000 © John Olsen. Licensed by Viscopy Ltd. Australia

ENTRIES INVITED AUCTION TUESDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2018

6

leonardjoel.com.au

A Soul Place John Olsen preferred to be out in the wild, observing

painting trip to the Coorong. He wrote at the time,

colony of pelicans in their natural habitat that the

first-hand the beauty of the natural Australian

“The Coorong itself – that long silt of salty water,

artist was so fortunate to observe first-hand.

landscape and its inhabitants - far away from the

a neglected soul landscape, walled in by sandhills.

triviality he found in the art world.

Huge skies […] emphasised by the flatness of the

Enquiries

landscape.”

Sophie Ullin

In the 1970s Olsen was involved in the “Wild

National Head of Art

Australia” film series which enabled him access to

Many of the works from this trip were completed

03 8825 5609 | 0407 360 513

environments normally restricted to the public. It was

in 2005-6 and contributed to an important series of

sophie.ullin@leonardjoel.com.au

at this time he had his first key experience in South

paintings and numerous print editions.

Australia’s Coorong region, a “soul place” as he called it, which he continued to draw inspiration from

Cooyong 2006 displays the rich and vast emptiness

for years to come.

found in the South Australian landscape, where the large sections of water and land intersect. The pure

By November 2003, Olsen (along with David Dridan,

blue water takes the viewer to an Australian oasis,

Ken McGregor, and Jeff Makin) prepared for a

where Olsen’s animated brushwork depicts the

leonardjoel.com.au

7

JEWELS

AN ENAMEL AND GEM-SET TIGER BANGLE, BROOCH AND RING SUITE

BY KUTCHINSKY $15,000-20,000

AN ENAMEL AND GEM-SET JEWELLERY SUITE BY KUTCHINSKY $15,000-20,000

ENTRIES INVITED AUCTION MONDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2018

8

leonardjoel.com.au

What’s in a name?

Featuring the engraved mark or stamp of a jewellery house or individual maker, often with an initial or a symbol, signed jewellery has always been highly desirable, evoking a special sense of status and tangible value.

Just a few of the names particularly synonymous with quality of craftmanship and design include, for example, Boucheron, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels.

In many cases, signed jewellery holds greater value than non-signed pieces in the marketplace. Value is, however, always dictated by the reputation or status of the maker and the quality of the workmanship.

Ultimately the value of these pieces is reflected in their desirability and their results at auction or at market.

A set of novelty Boucheron bee brooches – which are highly collectable – sold for $6,200 in our recent Fine Jewels auction in September. This result was well above the estimate of $2,000-3,000 and proved that high quality, signed pieces will always have a loyal following.

Our forthcoming Jewels auction in November will feature some beautiful pieces, including a rare suite of jewellery by famed design house, Kutchinsky. The enamel and gem-set tiger bracelet, brooch/pendant and ring, circa 1970 are striking examples of the design philosophy of this iconic house. A suite of this nature is rarely seen on the Australian market.

Kutchinsky, now renowned for their designs featuring birds and animals, was founded in England in 1893 when the family fled Poland, having been jewellers to the court of Ludwig of Bavaria. Their post-war pieces, created during the 1940s and 50s, were deliberately flamboyant, celebrating life and colour.

Signed pieces by Australian designers are also in great demand. In November, we will have the pleasure of offering some fine examples by celebrated Australian jeweller, Gary Bradley (1939-2018). His freeform, textural designs combined with sculptural elements make each piece a work of art with a distinctive Australian element to them.

AN 18CT GOLD AND EMERALD BROOCH

BY GARY BRADLEY $1,400-1,800

Fine jewellery stands the test of time. The design, workmanship and beauty is stamped in history – as are the marks of the makers.

Enquiries Elizabeth Stannard Senior Jewellery Specialist 03 8825 5618 | elizabeth.stannard@leonardjoel.com.au

leonardjoel.com.au

9

DECORATIVE ARTS

122 A MEISSEN DOCUMENTARY COFFEE-CUP AND SAUCER, DATED 1739 $7,000-9,000

250 A WEDGEWOOD BLACK JASPERWARE PORTLAND VASE $2,000-4,000

18TH CENTURY PORCELAIN

THE PORTLAND VASE BY WEDGWOOD

Purchased predominantly in Europe, this collection of 18th century

The design of this stunning Wedgwood Portland Vase, from a

porcelain includes a rare and immaculate Meissen documentary

private collection in Queensland, is based on the 1st century

flared coffee-cup and saucer, dated 1739 (Lot 122) and other

artefact which depicts the myth of Peleus and Thetis (mother of

fine pieces from factories such as Chelsea, Chantilly, Mennecy,

Achilles). The original Portland Vase was purchased by Margaret

Worcester and Saint-Cloud.

Cavendish-Harley, widow of William Bentinck, 2nd Duke of Portland

The Meissen coffee cup and saucer carries an impressive

in 1784. The 3rd Duke of Portland later loaned the vase to Josiah

provenance, having being owned by the celebrated porcelain and

Wedgwood who devoted four painstaking years to perfecting a

fine art collector, Walter Horace Samuel, 2nd Viscount Bearsted.

duplicate in black and white jasperware.

In the 19th Century, Viscount Bearsted became one of the first in

This 19th century example represents 250 years of the fine English

a trend of wealthy industrialists who began to collect porcelain

craftmanship associated with Wedgwood.

for display instead of domestic use. The porcelain he displayed at Upton House, alongside a formidable collection of works of art (by artists including Rembrandt, Canaletto and Hans Holbein the Younger) included items made for Catherine the Great of Russia and Louis XVI.

Sydney Auction Monday 23 October, 6pm The Bond, 36-40 Queen Street, Woollahra 2025

10

Sydney Viewing Friday 19 October, 10am-4pm Saturday 20 October, 10am-4pm Sunday 21 October, 10am-4pm Monday 22 October, 10am-4pm

Enquiries Hamish Clark Head of Sydney Office (02) 9362 9045 | 0403 142 106 hamish.clark@leonardjoel.com.au

leonardjoel.com.au

A Celebration of Craftmanship OUR FORTHCOMING DECORATIVE ARTS AUCTION FEATURES SEVERAL FINE LOCAL AND INTERSTATE PRIVATE COLLECTIONS WHICH TOGETHER, CELEBRATE THE CRAFTMANSHIP OF CENTURIES PAST.

72 AN EARLY 20TH CENTURY CHINESE HARDWOOD ALTAR TABLE $2,000-3,000

212 A BLUE JOHN COMPORT $3,000-5,000

TREASURES FROM SHANGHAI

BLUE JOHN

Fred and Anna Boorman met and later married in Shanghai in

Blue John is Britains rarest mineral, first discovered in Castleton,

1924. They settled there and Fred joined the Shanghai police force,

Derbyshire, by the Romans almost two thousand years ago.

where he was made sergeant in 1927.

The origin of the name ‘Blue John’ is believed to be from the

Fred and Anna welcomed their daughter in 1928 and they lived

French ‘blue et jaune’, meaning ‘blue and yellow’, the colours of

happily in Shanghai until the outbreak of the Second World War;

the semi-precious mineral, which was later abbreviated to ‘Blue

when Fred was interned in one camp, and his wife and daughter

John’. Steeped in rich history, Blue John has been displayed in

in another. During this time, members of Anna’s family stored their

stately homes throughout England for centuries, and was made

furniture and other possessions.

world famous by the craftsmanship of Matthew Boulton, who

At the end of the war Fred and Anna were reunited and the family

manufactured elaborate ornaments and vases using the semi-

moved to Hong Kong and later, in 1950, to Australia. This collection

precious mineral, in the late 18th century.

(Lots 70-86) of their furniture, objects and silver was purchased in Shanghai during the 1930s.

leonardjoel.com.au

11

ASIAN ART

50 A TIBETAN PAINTING OF VAJRASATTVA WITH LINEAGE 13TH/14TH CENTURY 77cm high, 60cm wide. $12,000-18,000 View in Sydney

Melbourne Auction Monday 8 October, 6.30pm 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra 3141

12

Melbourne Viewing 333 Malvern Rd, South Yarra 3141 Wednesday 3 October, 9am-8pm Saturday 6 October, 10am-4pm Sunday 7 October, 10am - 4pm

Sydney Viewing The Bond, 36-40 Queen St, Woollahra 2025 Thursday 27 September, 10am-4pm Saturday 6 October, 10am-4pm Sunday 7 October, 10am - 4pm

leonardjoel.com.au

Enquiries Carl Wantrup Asian Art Consultant 03 9826 4333 asianart@leonardjoel.com.au

A vision of wisdom and compassion The illustrated painting features the great Vajrasattva,

The first of the great Tibetan painting schools was

school of painting and more importantly as a vessel

an emanation of Vajradhara (the primordial Buddha),

born out of the Kadampa sect. The Kadampa School

for the preservation of Indian Buddhist artistic and

of Vajrayana Buddhism. He is depicted in a relaxed

(12th to 14th century) is exceptionally historically

philosophical culture that otherwise would have been

yet attentive meditative pose, head cast to one

important, as it was the direct stylistic inheritor of

lost to the vagaries of time.

side, beaming a benevolent half-smile and gazing

the Indian Pala Dynasty Buddhist School of painting,

directly at us. He is bedecked in the finest dhoti and

works of which no longer exist in part due to the final

Some estimate that countless thousands of early

jewels, holding the bell and thunderbolt (ghanta and

destruction of Buddhism in India in the 12th century.

Buddhist paintings in Tibet were destroyed during

vajra) with crossed wrists in front of his heart in the

Classical Indian religious painting is so important

the upheavals and monastic destruction in the

embracing gesture, surrounded by flame mandorlas.

because it spread along with the diaspora of

second half of the 20th century, leaving probably just

Buddhism to inform the early iconic religious painting

hundreds extant. Therefore, it is a particular privilege

The bell and thunderbolt represent many things, one

styles of countries as far as China. It is noted for its

to be able to see such an early and rare iconic

being wisdom and compassion, both of which are

fluid and sensuous lines, and loose free-handed style

Buddhist masterwork here in Australia from the Virtue

required in equal measure to reach enlightenment.

of painting.

Collection.

and form (thunderbolt) merging to represent the

The rival Tibetan Sakya sect rose to supremacy in the

Carl Wantrup

non-duality of the supreme reality. So this painting

14th century, largely due to patronage from Imperial

Asian Art Consultant

represents some of the core esoteric philosophy of

China. With it’s rise came a huge influx of wealth, and

03 8825 5635 | asianart@leonardjoel.com.au

Buddhism.

the ability to bring the finest painters and bronze

Another more abstract meaning is emptiness (bell)

workers from Nepal to work in the Sakya monasteries.

The deity is surrounded by a host of masters which

This inevitably brought stylistic changes to the

represent his lineage, very important in Buddhist

painting of Tibet, with a simplified colour palette, a

tradition, so that the teachings remain pure, being

more formalised structure, and fine infill decoration of

transmitted in an unbroken line from master to master.

scrolling foliage to bring a sense of movement to the

Seated at his right side, gazing directly at the viewer

new Sakyapa School of painting (14th to 16th century).

is a monk of the Kadampa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, indicating that this work of art was probably

This beautiful work shows stylistic vestiges of the

commissioned by, and therefore represents a lineage

former Kadampa School, but is probably seated at

connected with that sect.

the beginning of the Sakyapa School. It bears witness to Tibet being the inheritor of the seminal Indian

leonardjoel.com.au

13

MIRKA MORA 1928-2018

Her art and her life in Melbourne

MIRKA MORA (1928-2018) Girl Riding Bird 1979 painted doll

By the time Mirka Mora arrived in Australia in 1951 as a married 23 year

Australia. At first they found themselves a home in McKinnon, the antithesis of

old woman with a child, she had already experienced more than many

the cosmopolitan apartment living of Paris. Mirka, the non-conformist, observed

do in a lifetime. It started with an unconventional childhood where she

‘in that dreadful suburb everybody cut their grass every two weeks, but I never

spent the weekdays living with her non-religious antique dealer father and

cut mine and in the end there were weeds several feet high. Colin (Wainright,

her strict Orthodox mother, followed by weekends where she occupied a

an early Melbourne friend) said: ‘Never mind, I know how to get rid of it’. He

whole other world through her ‘second mother’, Paulette, a refined Parisian

threw some kerosene over it and it just disappeared in a quick blaze.” (1) You

whose own mother secretly indoctrinated Mirka into Catholicism!

can imagine Mirka’s glee at Colin’s solution and it’s a worthy metaphor for Mirka’s incandescent spirit and energy. Needless to say, the bonfire prompted a quick

At fourteen Mirka’s happy childhood ended when she was rounded up by

exit from McKinnon to a more befitting abode in the former studio of Ola Cohn

the Nazis and sent to the Pithiviers concentration camp with her mother

at 9 Collins Street. Known as the Grosvenor Chambers the building was steeped

and siblings. Miraculously her father managed to secure their release,

in Australian art history, Tom Roberts being one of its most famous occupants.

and Mirka’s family were amongst the 18 who were freed out of the 25,000 people sent there. For the remaining three years of the war, under the

In this new inspiring space Mirka, was almost immediately catapulted from

protection of the Resistance, they hid in French villages. Out of such

being a “dressmaking housewife and mother who did some occasional drawing

devastating experiences, a resilient Mirka emerged with a remarkable

and painting..[to a ] professional artist and a key figure of the Melbourne

and ever present optimism that coursed through her life and work.

art movement of the fifties” (2) The studio also galvanised Georges who saw the opportunity to hold shows for other artists too. Needless to say, the

After the war, Mirka, engaged to Georges Mora, a Resistance fighter, moved

Mora’s arrival brought a vibrant and transformative injection of the avant-

back to Paris where she leapt headfirst into Drama school and delighted in the

garde that served to appreciably support and fuel Australian modernism.

company of her like-minded peers. However Paris did not imbue her with the same happiness of her early years and so she convinced Georges to emigrate to

14

Exhibition openings at 9 Collins Street were like a honeypot attracting

leonardjoel.com.au

Mirka Mora (1928-2018) Mother & Child 1979 pastel

MIRKA MORA (1928-2018) Children in the Garden 1970 acrylic on canvas

artists, writers and musicians into its thrall creating a thriving intellectual

The launch of Café Balzac brought an end to the early, influential Collins street

and cultural milieu as they buzzed at 3 day-long parties and enjoyed

period where Mirka had opened up her home and atelier as an art salon infused

breakfasts cooked by Mirka. Their growing circle of close artistic friends

with an intense bonhomie. In reminiscing about her last Studio party in 1958 Mirka

included a roll call of Modernists that included Charles Blackman, Arthur

said “everybody was there [David Boyd, Leonard French, Fred Williams] and I

Boyd, Laurence Hope, Fred Williams, Joy Hester and patrons the Reeds.

noticed that they didn’t sit on the floor anymore ….they were all standing now with their glasses; and I knew it was the end of an era; they had become established!....

For many, Mirka Mora embodies the spirit of Melbourne. Her special

they began to have commissions and they did not need each other anymore.” (4)

relationship and identification with the city grew not only from her reputation as an artist but through the culinary initiatives of her husband. Georges

Her practice became a more hidden, but typically Melbourne affair with a

desire to expand his horizons beyond his management of a matzo factory

studio hidden down a little city laneway (Rankins Lane). Deliciously difficult to

prompted the establishment of the Mirka Café where Melburnians were

find it’s only clue was a letterbox with a bright red mouth but the reward, once

introduced to the pleasures of classic french cuisine enjoyed on bistro tables

inside, was that Mirka’s studio was brimming with joy, romance and bohemian

outside, a peculiarity in the fifties which is now de rigeur in this city. Mirka

spirit that she shared from the very start of her Melbourne beginnings.

recalled “we had to borrow money, but everybody came and helped. A sculptor sculpted the bar and all the painters came and put paintings on the walls…John Perceval produced beautiful drinking mugs for the café.” (3)

1.

Beier, U., Mirka, The Macmillan Company of Australia, Melbourne 1980, p.13

2.

Ibid, p.13

3.

Ibid, p.14

4.

Ibid, p.16

The intoxicating mix of art and cuisine, one feeding off the other, continued in 1958 with the establishment of the legendary Café Balzac and then in

Sophie Ullin

1965 with Tolarno which operated as both a restaurant and gallery.

National Head of Fine Art

MIRKA MORA (1928-2018) My Eyes are Closed to Dream 2014 oil on canvas

leonardjoel.com.au

15

PRIVATE COLLECTIONS The Tori Dixon-Whittle Collection

MARK SCHALLER Abstract acrylic on board 142 x 110cm $2,000-4,000

The Tori Dixon-Whittle Collection Auction Wednesday 31 October, 6.30pm Melbourne

16

Melbourne Viewing 333 Malvern Rd, South Yarra VIC Wednesday 24 October, 9am-8pm Saturday 27 October, 10am-4pm Wednesday 31 October, 9am-3pm

Melbourne Enquiries Anna Grassham Head of Modern Design 03 8825 5637 | 0415 076 480 anna.grassham@leonardjoel.com.au

leonardjoel.com.au

THE UNIQUE AESTHETIC OF TORI DIXON-WHITTLE: A CURATED AUCTION The upcoming collection of furniture, paintings and objects belonging to Tori Dixon-Whittle is a reflection of a life inspired by art and travel, and of a collector with an eye for the unusual and the extraordinary, featuring compelling mementos, each with their own story.

From the ancient to the modern, the strength of this collection is in its diversity. Highlights include beautiful Hans Wegner chairs that sit behind a rustic dining table, moody paintings by artists such as Rhys Lee and striking work by Cherry Hood.

L.J. Your collection is eclectic. Can you tell us when

L.J. You lived for several years in Vietnam, how did

you began ‘collecting’, or if you have always simply

this influence your aesthetic?

been drawn to unusual or interesting pieces?

TD-W. We were in Vietnam for 7 years and who I was

TD-W. I’ve never considered myself as a “collector”

when I arrived and who I was when I left were very

… simply, I like to surround myself with wonderful

different. I do love how the places we visit or live in

objects that take me on a journey. And how each

change us. Amidst the chaos of Hanoi, I found myself

object does that differs ... it might be because they

drawn to pieces that were more zen-like, and often

immerse me in the shapes and colours of a different

people would say my house was like an oasis of calm

culture, or because I can sense the hand of the maker

in amongst the craziness of the city. Now back in in

& imagine them creating the object, or they spark a

Oz, I find myself carrying over that aesthetic of a more

delicious memory of another time and place. I’m an

minimal palette and collection, which is one of the

avid reader because books do exactly the same thing

motivations for this sale! Also whilst we lived in Asia

for me. Really, I think I’m an explorer at heart — I love

we did a huge amount of travel - throughout Asia and

to travel, even when in my own home!!

Europe and so my collection is layered with items that we picked up on our travels.

L.J. How would you describe your taste? OR, what draws you to a piece / convinces you to buy it?

L.J. Do you have a favourite piece in the auction

TD-W. I realise I consider lots of different elements

TD-W. I adore the 2 Danish beds. My kids had these

when I buy something, although not consciously. I

when they were little but now, despite how much we

consider the design, the craftsmanship, its unique

like them, they’re too big to sleep in them! These

qualities. I’m often drawn to items that have a classical

beds will be imbued with lots of love and happy

dimension, mixed with something unusual.

dreams which I am sure the new owners will be able to sense!

L.J. Do you have a favourite designer or maker?

We recently spoke to Tori about her unique aesthetic...

Wooden Plynth signed

by David Bromley $80-120

TD-W. I love the timelessness and clean lines of

Anna Grassham

Danish designers, but it doesn’t need to have a name

Head of Modern Design

for me to buy it. Some of my most favourite things

03 8825 5637 | 0415 076 480

were lucky finds from an unknown corner somewhere.

anna.grassham@leonardjoel.com.au

Japanese fold out chair $200-300

HANS WEGNER CH29 dining chairs for Hansen & Son Set of 8 chairs $1,500-2,000

leonardjoel.com.au

17

WOMEN ARTISTS

ERICA MCGILCHRIST (1926-2014) Untitled 1957 mixed media on paper 28 x 24.5cm $300-500

ERICA MCGILCHRIST (1926-2014) Labyrinth 1969 heat polymerising acrylic on linen 66 x 61cm $500-700

A RARE INSIGHT The nature of auctions often means that an item’s history or ownership

evening of Monday 8 October, prior to the auction on Wednesday 10

remains a mystery. However, for our upcoming Women Artists auction

October. We are thrilled that Linda Short will join us at this event, in a

we are honoured and delighted to present a selection of over 40 lots

conversation about Erica and her work. Linda curated Erica McGilchrist’s

directly from the family of Australian artist Erica McGilchrist. Many of

survey exhibition at Heide Museum of Modern Art in 2013 and is the

these pieces have never before been seen by the public, let alone been

editor of ‘Erica McGilchrist: For the Record’, a monograph on the artist

available for sale.

that will be published by Heide with support from the architecture firm

Included in the unique collection are various studies on paper and

and heritage consultancy, Lovell Chen.

hand-painted designs on linen reminiscent of those bequeathed and

Please email us if you would like to attend this special event.

exhibited at the Heide Museum of Modern Art in Melbourne. Most of these vibrant works were completed after Erica’s influential trip to

Olivia Fuller

Germany in the 1960s, and allow a rare insight into her diverse aesthetic

Fine Art Specialist

exploration and ability to combine hard-edge modernism with lyrical

03 8825 5624 | olivia.fuller@leonardjoel.com.au

figuration. Erica’s varied practice has been centred on a clear vision – the reconciliation of her inner and outer worlds. Through this exciting collection of works, we are able to showcase one of Australia’s most under-recognised modernists in a new context where Australia’s women artists are finally taking the spotlight!

In celebration of these works, we will be hosting a special event on the

Women Artists Auction Wednesday 10 October, 6.30pm Melbourne

18

Melbourne Viewing 333 Malvern Rd, South Yarra VIC Saturday 6 October, 10am-4pm Sunday 7 October, 10am-4pm Wednesday 10 October, 9am-5pm

Melbourne Enquiries Olivia Fuller Art Specialist 03 8825 5624 olivia.fuller@leonardjoel.com.au

leonardjoel.com.au

PRINTS CHARLES BLACKMAN (1928-2018) All On A Summers Day screenprint 54/90 68 x 61cm Sold for $5,456

THE WORLD OF PRINTMAKING Prints as a medium is sometimes overlooked, however, it is a

The world of printmaking is an interesting and complex

fascinating category that is becoming increasingly popular.

one. Prints are not only for the new collector, an astute and

There are many different types of prints, the four best-known

seasoned buyer will know that this diverse medium can be a

techniques are etching, lithography, screenprint and woodcut.

way of building a more comprehensive collection that tells a

The medium presents an opportunity for new collectors to

more complete story about an artist’s oeuvre and also reveal

enter the art market and purchase an authentic work without

the growth of a printmaker’s skills.

a hefty price attached to it. Many of the works featured in our recent September Prints & Multiples auction were by notable

Lucy Foster

Australian artists, including Charles Blackman, Mirka Mora,

Art Specialist

John Olsen, Jeffrey Smart, John Brack and others.

03 8825 5630 | lucy.foster@leonardjoel.com.au

ENTRIES INVITED PRINTS AUCTION WEDNESDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2018

leonardjoel.com.au

19

LUXURY A SPEEDY 30 HANDBAG BY LOUIS VUITTON Sold for $1,116

THE LITTLE BLACK BAG Luxury is a relatively new auction category in Australia but is proving to be as popular here as it is at auction houses in London and New York. And, why not? Who doesn’t love the opportunity to acquire an original Chanel or Louis Vuitton handbag for their wardrobe?

A MALTESE FLAPBAG BY CHANEL Sold for $3,224

Our recent September Luxury auction was our biggest and most popular yet, and it was the classic pieces which were highly sought after. Just like the Little Black Dress, the Little Black Bag is an essential staple of any wardrobe, and a true investment piece.

Bethany McGougan Luxury Manager 03 8825 5645 | bethany.mcgougan@leonardjoel.com.au

A HANDBAG BY YVES SAINT LAURENT Sold for $2,356

ENTRIES INVITED AUCTION NOVEMBER 2018

20

leonardjoel.com.au

VALUATIONS

AT LEONARD JOEL It’s an Antique. Does that mean it’s valuable?

One of the biggest misconceptions we as valuers come across is that because an object is old, it must have value.

In reality, just as we are going through an industrial revolution now of sorts with the cost of manufacturing items being cheaper and more prolific than ever, so too was the case in Victorian times. The advent of the industrial revolution saw the rise of the machine and many items once reserved for the upper classes were suddenly obtainable for the masses.

A sterling silver teapot could now be made by machine in EPNs- electric silver plate for a fraction of the cost.

Such items were given registration or patent numbers and produced by the tens of thousands or even 100s, so many items were made this way from candlestick holders to toast racks. However due to the large number produced and their lack of practical use in modern society today means that alas being 130 years old does not always make it valuable.

Beauty, rarity, design, function and form are some of the key elements we look for in determining the value. However the sentiment and age of a piece is unfortunately not always a deciding factor.

Caroline Tickner Head of Valuations

BERNARD HESLING, HOLY MUM 1975, VITREOUS ENAMEL, 66CM (TONDO) Sold for $995 Discovered at the September Valuations Evening

Do you have treasures that you would like valued?

Join us for complimentary auction valuations, first Wednesday of every month, 5-8pm.

No appointments necessary.

Caroline Tickner, Head of Valuations 03 8825 5638 | caroline.tickner@leonardjoel.com.au

leonardjoel.com.au

21

MILITARIA

ONE HUNDRED YEARS Almost hundred years ago, on 11 November 1918, the Great

objects from the time, from photographs and postcards to

War came to an end with the signing of armistice. In 2018, we

patriotic Boy’s Own Annuals, and uniforms. Named collections

mark the centenary, and while the idealistic proclamation of a

of medals provide a physical record of active service, a century

‘war to end all wars’ did not come to be, the history of World

after the battles in which they were earned.

War I and the lessons learned from it remain relevant and The Militaria Auction will be held on Thursday 11 October at 2

important.

pm. Viewing for the auction will be held on Saturday 6, Sunday 7 and Wednesday 10 October. I do hope you can join us.

Our forthcoming Militaria Auction includes pieces from the Great War, World War II, and other military battles. A particularly poignant lot is the photograph of a young,

Nora Merralls

unnamed German soldier, ceremonially draped in floral

Collectables Manager

garlands and surrounded by his family, pictured before leaving

03 8825 5625 | nora.merralls@leonardjoel.com.au

for service.

The stories of those involved in war, from those of the soldiers, to their loved ones waiting at home, are memorialised in

A group of six WWI medals, awarded to Lt G. B. Walker, comprising Military Cross, 1914-1915 Star, British War Medal 1914-1920, Victory Medal 1919, India General Service Medal – Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919, George V Coronation medal $5,000-7,000

Militaria Auction Thursday 11 October at 2pm Melbourne

22

Viewing 333 Malvern Rd, South Yarra VIC Wednesday 18 October, 9am-8pm

Enquiries Nora Merralls Collectables Manager 03 8825 5625 nora.merralls@leonardjoel.com.au

leonardjoel.com.au

You can now pick up your copy of Leonard with your morning caffeine fix, at Hobba in Prahran.

428 Malvern Rd, Prahran VIC 3181 | hobba.com .au | @hobbaprahran

We invite you to a special private screening of

Seeing From Within: The Life of Barbara Blackman Leonard Joel is proud to support a special private screening of The Australian Ageing Research Foundation

Seeing From Within: of and Barbara Blackman that explores The the life ofLife writer, muse is delighted to invite you to a special

private screening of an extraordinary film

philanthropist Barbara Blackman, the former

Tuesday October 2018, 6pm-9pm wife of celebrated artist Charles30Blackman.

Includes Champagne reception, private screening and Q&A with the Film’s director.

The film screening will be followed by a Q&A hosted by the film’s director, John Swindells.

Palace Cinema Como The Como Centre: Level 1, Corner Toorak Road This fascinating film & Chapel Street, South Yarra VIC 3141 explores her very unconventional life, filled with highs and lows and her strong determination to find meaning and authenticity in life.

DATES TUESDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER & TUESDAY 2ND OCTOBER

TIME 6PM – 9PM to include: Champagne reception, private screening

Tickets: $55 Book online at trybooking.com

CONTACT DETAILS: l eJUDITH o n a r dHOOPER j o e l . c 0406 o m . 369 a u 877 j.hooper@nari.edu.au TO BOOK TICKETS:

23

THE 22ND REPORT #18

ONE STEP CLOSER One of the toughest bans on the sale of ivory is a step closer to coming into

and for the past eight months, IFAW has been liaising with state and

force, after the Parliamentary inquiry into the domestic sale of ivory and

territory governments to also come on board. We know that there is an

rhino horn, recently tabled recommendations in Parliament for Australia to

overwhelming political desire to shut down Australia’s domestic ivory

implement a domestic ban.

market, and the recommendations by this Joint Parliamentary inquiry only

This cross Party, Joint House inquiry initiated by Senator Lisa Singh and

further reinforces the fact that there is bipartisan support for such action.

Chaired by Mr Craig Kelly MP, set about examining how Australia can keep

IFAW calls on Minister Price to adopt the findings of the Joint Committee

pace with other OECD countries in closing the legal loopholes in domestic

and implement the recommendations as soon as possible. Without the

ivory markets to ensure Australia is not contributing to wildlife trafficking.

federal government’s support, these recommendations will be as useful for

Our friends, The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has been at

global elephant conservation as an ivory carving gathering dust on a shelf.”

the forefront calling on Australia to close its domestic ivory markets, having

Concluded Ms Keeble.

investigated online retailers, auction houses and antiques dealers; proving

IFAW and Leonard Joel urge everyone who wants to protect

that an unregulated market exists here in Australia. Following a number of

these beautiful creatures to support this ban, as the sale of ivory

public hearings, attended by IFAW experts from the Australia, South Africa,

anywhere, threatens elephants and rhinoceros everywhere.

China and UK, along with other NGOs and stakeholders, the inquiry heard evidence as to why the Australian Government must now take legislative

John Albrecht, Managing Director

steps to close our unregulated domestic ivory market.

Rebecca Keeble, Regional Director of IFAW Oceania said: “We very much welcome the speed with which the Joint Parliamentary inquiry has moved to hand down their recommendations. For nearly five years, we have been urging the federal government to implement a strong domestic ban;

24

leonardjoel.com.au

BUYING AT AUCTION. IT S SIMPLE, REALLY! Browse With regular auctions in Contemporary Art,

Connect with us

Stay up to date with news, insights and auctions via our e-newsletter and social media platforms.

Furniture, Jewels & Watches, Luxury, Modern Design and Sporting Memorabilia, there’s something to suit every taste and to tempt every collector.

Browse our online catalogues before each auction, or view in person at one of our salerooms.

Register Create an account with Leonard Joel and register your details, just as you would when you shop online. Once you have registered, you’ll have your own Leonard Joel account which you can use every time you bid.

Bid Bid in person, from home or even while you’re on holiday on the other side of the world. It’s easy to do so either at one of our salerooms, online or on the telephone, and our team is always on hand to guide you.

1. ONLINE All of our auctions are available for online bidding via our online bidding platform partner, Invaluable, which you can access via our website.

2. ABSENTEE OR TELEPHONE BIDS

SUBSCRIBE leonardjoel.com.au

If you can’t make it to the auction, you can leave an absentee bid (the maximum amount you would like to bid up to) through the Leonard Joel website, or bid on the

PINTEREST

phone with one of our team members.

pinterest.com/leonardjoel

INSTAGRAM instagram.com/leonardjoelauctions

FACEBOOK facebook.com/leonardjoel

3. BID IN PERSON All of our auctions are open to the public and you are more than welcome to attend if you are in Melbourne or Sydney. If successful bidder, you’ll be sent an invoice via email after the auction, and then you can arrange

YOUTUBE youtube.com/LeonardJoel1919

collection or delivery of your purchase/s.

Contact a member of our team or stop by our Melbourne or Sydney salerooms if you have any questions.

leonardjoel.com.au

25

Image | Amani Tia, Not titled, 2015, ink on paper, 37.5 x 38cm

3 X 3: RUTH HOWARD, MILES HOWARD-WILKS & AMANI TIA 15 September – 20 October | 24 High Street, Northcote, VIC 3070 3 x 3 presents three solo shows by Arts Project Australia studio

perception of the dominant sites that contain our existence:

artists Ruth Howard, Miles Howard-Wilks and Amani Tia. Ruth

earth and water. Finally, Amani Tia will present a series of

Howard will display a collection of her recent works on paper and

paintings and drawings that evoke pop culture icons and figures

ceramics, depicting wild animals and organic matter in abstract

from the animal world, combining a sense of homage combined

form, and conjuring a unique elegance and beauty. Meanwhile,

with a desire to depict life in a realist, yet fluid, style.

Miles Howard-Wilks will pursue his ongoing fascination of oceanic scenes and landscapes, gesturing towards a totalising

www.artsproject.org.au

26

leonardjoel.com.au

Australasian Art & Culture Magazine

ISSUE 23 OUT NOW

SUBSCRIBE NOW AND RECEIVE YOUR COPY OF VAULT MAGAZINE FIRST

AUS $17.50 NZ $25.00

ABDUL ABDULLAH, TONY ALBERT, DAVIDA ALLEN, POLLY BORLAND, HEAVENLY BODIES, ISAAC JULIEN, FRANCIS KURKDJIAN, RONNIE VAN HOUT, GORDON WALTERS, ALLISON ZUCKERMAN & MORE ISSU E 23 · AUGUST to OC TOBER 2018

Abdul Abdullah, Tony Albert, Davida Allen, Polly Borland, Michael Bugelli, Andrew Hazewinkel, Heavenly Bodies, Isaac Julien, Francis Kurkdjian, Ron Robertson Swann, Yvonne Todd, Ronnie Van Hout, Gordon Walters, Allison Zuckerman & more

SUBSCRIBE NOW VAULTART.COM.AU

Leonard Joel Ad_Oct253 x369_FA2.indd 1

POLLY BORLAND Monster (from the series Monster), 2017 archival pigment print Courtesy the artist, Murray White Room, Melbourne and Sullivan+Strumpf, Sydney

21/9/18 9:28 am

leonardjoel.com.au

27

LOOK OUT FOR THE NOVEMBER ISSUE.

leonardjoel.com.au