ISSUE 82 OCTOBER – NOVEMBER 2019
LEONARD
OCTOBER
The John Hurlston Collection Pt I Monday 7 October, 6.30pm / MELBOURNE The John Hurlston Collection Pt II Tuesday 8 October, 6.30pm / MELBOURNE Decorative Arts Tuesday 8 October, 6.30pm / MELBOURNE Women Artists Wednesday 9 October, 6pm / MELBOURNE Collectables
NOVEMBER
Thursday 24 October, 2pm / MELBOURNE Modern Design Monday 11 November, 6.30pm / MELBOURNE Luxury Wednesday 13 November, 6pm / MELBOURNE Prints & Multiples Wednesday 13 November, 6pm / MELBOURNE Jewels Monday 25 November, 6.30pm / MELBOURNE Fine Art Tuesday 26 November, 6.30pm / MELBOURNE
DECEMBER
auction calendar —
The Hyde Collection Tuesday 3 December, 6.30pm / SYDNEY Specialist Rugs Thursday 12 December, 2pm / MELBOURNE The Thursday Auction Furniture & Interiors – 10am Jewellery – 10.30am Art Salon – 11.30am Objects & Collectables – 12pm MELBOURNE
LEFT: Christmas Ham 2019
COVER: LUDMILLA MEILERTS
Wool, polystyrene, foam rubber foamcore, 31 x 55 x 41cm $1,200
(1908-1998) View to Sandridge Rail Bridge and Melbourne City 1976 (detail) oil on board 61 x 76cm $3,800 – 4,800
Trevor Smith Exhibition at Leonard Joel Wednesday 6 – Sunday 10 November
Women Artists Auction Wednesday 9 October, 6pm
welcome —
This Issue FROM THE DIRECTOR 3 The Economy of Beautiful Things and Interesting People THE CENTENARY SERIES 4 My Leonard Joel: with Jaci Foti-Lowe AUCTIONS 6 Private Collections: The Hyde Collection 8 Decorative Arts: The History of Cutlery 10 Modern Design: A Culinary Stitch Up 12 Jewels: Tools of the Gemmology Trade 14 Fine Art: Arthur Streeton: An Australian Artist Abroad
It's our pleasure to present Part IV, the final of our Centenary Series: My Leonard Joel in this issue, in which we step into the beautiful home (we wanted to move in!) of Jaci Foti-Lowe.. Elsewhere, there's highlights from our third dedicated Women Artists auction and Head of Jewellery, Julie Foster talks about Gemmology tools used to help grade and appraise gemstones...
16 Women Artists 18 Luxury 19 Prints & Multiples IN FOCUS 20 5 Minutes with... Toby Lennox-Hilton 21 The 22nd Report: Three Years and Real Change JOIN US 22 Connect & Buy with Leonard Joel 25 Contact a Leonard Joel Specialist
We also spend 5 minutes with Furniture Manager, Toby Lennox-Hilton who shares his favourite way to spend a day in Melbourne (when not at Leonard Joel of course!). Finally, as our centenary year continues, we invite you to join us at a special Centenary Exhibition 19-20 October. More details online soon...!
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— PROFILE —
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— FROM THE DIRECTOR —
THE ECONOMY OF BEAUTIFUL THINGS & INTERESTING PEOPLE Acknowledging that our world is as much about the people that collect as the objects they covet.
Not long after I returned to Leonard Joel, almost exactly a decade ago, I began to describe this exciting marketplace as an economy of beautiful things and interesting people. I am therefore thrilled to advise that, to celebrate our centenary, we have self-published a history of Leonard Joel in words, imagery and stories that we believe encapsulates the diverse nature of our specialties, the buyers and sellers that find our way to us, the things that ultimately take us on a journey with our clients and the stories that accompany them. This process of discovery, history-sharing and storytelling with both sellers and collectors, is the career motif of the auctioneer and it is what makes our world, for me anyway, endlessly fascinating and enriching. And now with 100 years of auctions almost behind us, it is this
IOO YEARS OF AUCTION HISTORY
thrill of discovery, these objects and collections, and their stories that have made our journey so interesting and, in turn, provided the inspiration to our centenary publication. Throughout the publication we present a feast of imagery, from established collecting categories through to the newer ones; the categories of the future and the ones we are as excitedly committed to as the new collectors that covet them. The reader will also notice that we decided not to represent any sales that celebrated either elephant ivory or
IOO YEARS OF AUCTION HISTORY
rhinoceros horn. Acknowledging that our world is as much about the people that collect as the objects they covet, we interspersed four unique collecting stories, stories from both clients and friends of Leonard Joel that to us represent a collecting spirit that is as timeless as it is new. And finally, the book is framed by four chapters that have been produced by respected writer and editor Ray Gill who took us on a less conventional path in recording and celebrating a centenary of Leonard Joel. The book will be available on-site at Leonard Joel Melbourne and Sydney, and at select bookstores in Melbourne from 18 October. 100% of proceeds will be donated to the two causes we, as an organisation, are most passionate about; Arts Project Australia and the International Fund for Animal Welfare. I do hope you enjoy the read and with the knowledge that your purchase is supporting great civic and conservation causes. I would also like to take this opportunity to invite you all to a special Centenary Exhibition ABOVE: Leonard Joel: 100 Years of Auction History
at Leonard Joel Melbourne, 19-20 October.
LEFT: detail from 100 Years of Auction History
For more details visit our website! JOHN ALBRECHT
Managing Director & Head of Private Collections leonardjoel.com.au | 3
— THE CENTENARY SERIES —
MY LEONARD JOEL — With Jaci Foti-Lowe
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— THE CENTENARY SERIES —
In this, Part IV of Centenary Series: My Leonard Joel we visit the home of Jaci Foti-Lowe. Do you consider yourself a collector or do you simply buy what you like when you see it? My mum often says to me “I don’t know how you see amongst everything; what’s beautiful or what’s special” but what I’m doing is I’m adding to a thread of an idea or, creating a collection that I know that I’ll complete with an acquisition of one object or another. I’ve stopped trying to decide whether it’s good or if it has a place, or has any merit, and I’ll just look at it for the beauty of the piece in the moment. 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? I never know what I will find when I look through the catalogue or turn up onsite at Leonard Joel. It’s that thrill of what could be, but never going in with any measured outcome and then being open to acquire anything, (or) nothing in particular; that creates the magic, because the magic is in the unknown and not trying too hard to specifically pick something and then find it. I can’t know what this week or next week will bring. And they’re not my treasures, they’re someone else’s treasures, so it’s got to be that alignment of the moment; of someone releasing and me coming, and acquiring. That whole process is a really enjoyable one because it’s always a surprise, you never know. Do you have a favourite piece you’ve bought at Leonard Joel or a piece that you wish you’d won, but lost at auction? So that’s how my passion with the basalts (Wedgwood) started; it was just a beautiful form. The pot itself was perfectly balanced and pure black, and very decorative; completely and absolutely not aligned with anything I had ever considered before but, once I had that piece in my hands it opened my eyes to every other black basalt piece that came through The Thursday Auction! Everything that we use in the General Store for display is a found object or acquired through the auctions, and that’s created an environment that is really special and comfortable; homely and welcoming. I attribute a lot of that to the fact that the only pieces we have in there are old pieces.
Jaci Foti-Lowe is Founder of Hub Furniture and Hub General Store, Melbourne.
LEFT: Hub General Store
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— AUCTIONS —
PRIVATE COLLECTIONS
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— AUCTIONS —
The Hyde Collection
A well-known medical professional, the vendor of this
inspire design for the next 30 years. Arnold’s timepieces
Auction
extraordinary private collection was also a heritage
are included in the National Maritime Museum,
Tues 3 Dec, 6.30pm
enthusiast and a passionate collector of antiques, fine
Greenwich and the British Museum.
SYDNEY
art and furniture. Other significant pieces include a Dutch Musical Walnut
TOP LEFT: A fine English Regency
card table with cut brass inlay, circa 1810. TOP RIGHT: J. Haughton Forrest, ‘Shipwreck’. Signed and dated 1888. OPPOSITE: A directoire ormolu
and marble mantel clock, Joseph Revel, Paris, circa 1795.
He wrote several submissions to the government,
Longcase Clock, signed Gruning Amsterdam circa 1770,
urging them to preserve local buildings and this
a rare Henry Borrell (active 1795-1840) Regency Quarter
appreciation for history was reflected in his home, a
Striking Musical Clock with a singing bird mechanism
Federation house in Sydney, and its contents.
and bracket clocks with examples by John Johnson (active 1770-1800, London) and Grignion & Sons (active
A passionate collector for over 70 years, he travelled
1720-1825, London).
extensively, and the majority of his pieces were acquired during expeditions to Europe, the result of which is an
The porcelain section includes a rare Flight and Barr
outstanding collection which will be proudly offered at
Worcester dessert service painted with botanical
auction by Leonard Joel in Sydney on 3rd December.
specimens circa 1800, and a Nymphenburg Royal Bavarian pattern part dinner service.
Comprising fine English Georgian and Regency furniture, English porcelain, 17th and 18th century
The paintings are mainly of landscapes, seascapes,
Dutch paintings, Kangxi blue and white, tortoiseshell
pastoral scenes and Dutch domestic interiors. One
boxes and a selection of high quality clocks, the
of the standout paintings is a dramatic shipwreck by
collection represents an era of timeless grandeur.
Captain Haughton Forrest. Captain Forrest was the son of Queen Victoria’s equerry and had an interesting
Clocks by esteemed English and French makers of the
military upbringing, attending military school in
late 18th and early 19th centuries include a mantle
Wiesbaden, Germany. He left the army to join the Royal
clock by John Arnold (1736-1799, London). Arnold was
Mail and settled in the Isle of Wight painting marine
an innovator of the wristwatch, taking over from John
settings, with some commissioned by HRH Prince of
Harrison and refining precision in timekeeping. In 1770
Wales. Eventually Forrest migrated to Tasmania and
he developed the portable precision timekeeper which
became a prolific artist, particularly known for his
included three inventions, one of which, the overcoil
landscapes, some of which appeared on the first set of
balance spring is still found in wristwatches today.
pictorial stamps in Australia. Demand for Forrest’s work has increased in recent years due to his photorealistic
The Hyde Arnold is a refined Georgian mantle clock
style and Hyde’s example demonstrates this.
with Egyptian Revival inspired motifs painted on the base. The wonders of Ancient Egypt had been revisited
HAMISH CLARK / Head of Sydney Office
by the French Revolutionary Army in 1798 and were to leonardjoel.com.au | 7
— AUCTIONS —
DECORATIVE ARTS The History of Cutlery
Cutlery may seem like the most basic of epicurean
The purpose of the spoon was not merely for eating, its
utensils, however their current design is relatively new to
importance in society had expanded and spoons were
society and the way we consume food.
commonly used in ceremonies and as a symbol of status,
Spoons were the first invention, leading the way to what became widely regarded in the Western world as civilised dining. Dating back as far as early 1000BC in Egypt, spoons were
hence we see anointing spoons in Britain to welcome new monarchs. The fork is a relative newcomer to the table with an even more interesting history.
adapted from a variety of scoop-like objects over history
Although the prototype was Ancient Egyptian, it was of
from seashells to chips of wood—in fact, the name itself
elongated form with sharp prongs, being used primarily
originates from the Anglo-Saxon word 'spon' meaning a
for cooking and serving food. One of the earliest records
chip of wood. Fashioned handles were added to these
of the fork is from a story of the wedding of a Byzantine
found objects later on and thus, the spoon was born!
princess, Theodora Anna Doukaina and a Venetian called Domenico Selvo in the 11th century. She arrived with
Once the popularisation of spoons spread, there was a
her dowry which consisted of a case of golden forks and
demand for the objects to be fashioned and not found,
then proceeded to use them at the wedding feast. Her
so we see early examples crafted from wood, bronze and
decadence was condemned by the local clergy, and one
silver, from early civilization to the middle-ages.
member announced “God in his wisdom has provided
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ABOVE: Three Leather cased
Travelling Cutlery Sets* 17th Century & Later $500 – 700
— AUCTIONS —
man with natural forks—his fingers. Therefore, it is an
It was not until the late 18th century with the introduction
insult to him to substitute artificial metal forks for them
of affordable pewter that all levels of society began using
when eating.” Two years later when Theodora died of
forks.
Hurlston Collection Part II
The knife (although one of the oldest members of the
MELBOURNE
an unknown disease, it was considered by some to be punishment for her pride and life of excess.
at the dining table was frowned upon on account of the
method to eat food. It was not until the Renaissance,
very sharp edges. In fact, in 1669, Louis XIV decreed that
during another noble marriage, where the fork’s
overly sharp knifes were illegal at the table. They were
popularity grew. When Catherine De Medici arrived in
replaced by a wider, blunt knife which gave birth to the
France to marry Henry II, she brought a collection of
dining knife which we are familiar with now (see illustrated
silver forks with her to be used during the nuptial feast.
example below).
leading to spilled food and much laughter, however despite the ridicule, this popularised the use of forks to all French upper class society, who by the 18th century began sporting personal cutlery sets as a symbol of
Tues 8 Oct, 6.30pm
cutlery family) was used mainly for hunting. Using a knife
And so, fingers and spoons remained the preferred
Henry’s courtiers struggled to use the foreign utensils,
Decorative Arts & The
BELOW: A set of Jasper Handled
Knives Sheffield, circa 1867 $300 – 500
Next time you sit down for a meal, pause to reflect on the fact that we now use safe blunt knives and have roundly accepted the common use of forks and not our fingers. CHIARA CURCIO / Head of Decorative Arts
wealth and status (see illustrated example opposite).
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— AUCTIONS —
MODERN DESIGN A Culinary Stitch Up
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— AUCTIONS —
Trevor Smith Exhibition Wed 6 Nov, - Sun 10 Nov MELBOURNE
TOP: Selection of Margaret Fulton
Cook Books MIDDLE: Kettle 2019
Wool, polystyrene, foamcore, wire 26 x 38 x 33cm $680 BOTTOM: Blender 2019
Wool, polystyrene, foam rubber, foamcore, 40 x 21 x 23cm $680
Trevor spent many years working with traditional patchworks, soft sculpture and quilts, before turning his hand back to crochet.
An interest in textiles started at an early age for Trevor Smith. He was taught to sew by his mother Jean, herself a talented craftswoman. He was taught to sew by his mother Jean - who was herself a talented craftswoman - and was gifted his first sewing machine at age 15, a tool that allowed him to develop his creative passions in all areas of craft. Trevor spent many years working with traditional patchworks, soft sculpture and quilts, before turning his hand back to crochet. Trevor has been involved in the Australian art scene for over 30 years, participating in group and solo craft exhibitions. In 2009 he was part of the ‘The Big Hole Yarn’ a site-specific exhibition that incorporated crochet into the natural environments of the Panmure swimming hole in Warrnambool. Trevors recent works have been heavily influenced by the late Margaret Fulton, who was best-known for revitalising post war cuisine. Fulton was most famous for her 1968 Margaret Fulton Cookbook. The visual aesthetics of her recipes can be seen throughout Trevors works, especially the kitsch food presentation of the 1970s. A fantastic collection of Trevor Smiths works will be exhibited at Leonard Joel as part of the 100 Year Centenary celebration, in collaboration with the November Modern Design auction. Highlights include a wonderful fish platter, and assortment of fantastic Australian cakes and retro kettle, radio and blender. ANNA GRASSHAM / Head of Modern Design
All of these works will be on view alongside and offered as part of the Modern Design Auction on Monday 11 November.
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— AUCTIONS —
JEWELS Tools of the Gemmology Trade
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— AUCTIONS —
How do we know the difference between a diamond and cubic zirconia, or if a blue stone is paste or sapphire and then, if its natural, colour-enhanced, synthetic, treated, or damaged?
Next Jewels Auction Mon 25 Nov, 6.30pm MELBOURNE
LEFT: Julie Foster, Head of
Jewellery.
Gemmology involves studying the physical and optical
CHELSEA FILTER
properties that make gems unique. The identification
The Chelsea filter can help separate imitations from
process involves analysing these properties to help us
the real thing. It can identify the chromium content of
grade stones, determine natural stones from synthetics
Colombian emeralds, give a red reaction to natural lapis
and differentiate one species from another.
lazuli, show chromium content of jade, separate synthetic
Here are 10 gemmology tools we use at Leonard Joel to distinguish or measure these properties. 10X TRIPLET JEWELLER’S LOUPE This is used for all initial inspections. It allows us to closely inspect the jewellery and make instant assessments, based on the internal and external features of the stone. Sometimes this means a diagnosis of a stone simply from the inclusions. BINOCULAR MICROSCOPE A binocular microscope offers higher magnification of jewellery and gemstones and can be extremely useful in the identification of difficult gemstones such as synthetics. The gemmological microscope also has light sources, which assist in illuminating the gems and offer the ability to see more inclusions in greater detail under higher magnification. REFRACTOMETER This is one of the most important tools in the gemmologist's tool kit. The refractometer can give you the refractive index (sometimes diagnositic) including the optic character and sign of the gemstone. POLARISCOPE The polariscope is also a critical piece of equipment, allowing us to easily identify single and double refractive gemstones and assist us in quickly differentiating stones, for example, garnet from rubies. It can also help to distinguish between natural and synthetic materials. DICHROSCOPE The dichroscope allows us to see the pleochroism in a gemstone (the multiple colours that many gemstones produce). Our eyes cannot separate these colours in most cases, so the dichroscope uses calcite crystals to separate the light waves, which allows us to see the individual colours. This can also assist in the identification process of a gem.
blue spinel from natural. ELECTRONIC SCALES Traditionally, the weight of a gemstone is expressed in carats (1 carat = 0.20 grams or 200 milligrams). For gemstones weighing less than 1 carat, their weight is expressed in units that are 100 times smaller, known as points (e.g. 50 points = 0.5 carats). Scales are used in determining the pricing of gold jewellery and size of loose stones. ULTRAVIOLET CABINET – LONG WAVE/SHORT WAVE UV LIGHT Both longwave and shortwave ultraviolet light (UV) is used in the identification process. The luminescence of a stone can help us differentiate between certain natural and synthetic gems. Ultravoilet testing can expose enhanced layers of diffusion-treated gems, oils used as fillers in emeralds and other gems, and components in assembled stones which often have different fluorescent qualities to the rest of the specimen material. Seeing this at an early stage of your examination can save time later. LEVERIDGE GAUGE Gauges are vital in making weight estimations of set stones and measuring loose stones. In many cases, the stone size is the only key to weight estimation, which can be carried out with measurement formulas. MASTER COLOUR GRADING SET This master set helps us assign a colour grade to diamonds. The scale begins with the letter D, representing colourless, and continues with increasing presence of colour to the letter Z. Each letter grade has a clearly defined range of colour appearance. Diamonds are colour-graded by comparing them to our stones of known colour under controlled lighting. JULIE FOSTER / Head of Jewellery
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— AUCTIONS —
FINE ART
Arthur Streeton: An Australian Artist Abroad
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— AUCTIONS —
Next Fine Art Auction Tues 26 Nov, 6.30pm MELBOURNE
Following many of his peers, Arthur Streeton left his
like Streeton, was establishing herself in a new
homeland of Australia, bound for London in 1897. The
landscape. Nora was a breath of fresh air for Streeton
general consensus was that to be a great artist you must
and reinvigorated his artistic desires and assisted in
travel abroad, and so Streeton sought inspiration and
obtaining him significant commissions. Arthur and Nora
international exposure from Europe and Britain.
eventually settled at 10 Hill Road, St. John’s Wood, at which time Streeton became a member of the Royal British Colonial Society and the Royal Institute of
“I feel convinced that my work will contain a larger idea & quality than before – I wish you and the Prof (McCubbin) could have a trip here – I think it’s necessary for ones work. I’m evolving & should I return I’d never paint Australia in exactly the same way – I know more know - & would touch it more poetically” – Arthur in a letter to Tom Roberts dated 28 June 1898.
Painters. His art now continued to develop, and he had adapted his technique to that of a round brush which brought a thicker and looser brush stroke. By 1906 Arthur had the opportunity to return to Australia upon which he received the public’s praises. The trip brought continued success for Arthur with successful exhibitions, re-strengthened relationships with patrons, and of course numerous sales. Whilst he only stayed for 12 months on this return trip, he continued to send works back to Australia over the coming years. His search for inspiring landscapes took him to the English counties, where he often painted in the company of newly made friends or as a guest of wealthy art
In England, he could rub shoulders with some of the art world’s elite and, most importantly, gain access to international art forums such as the Royal Academy. He had left Australia as one of the nation’s finest artists, however his optimism slowly began to dwindle in his new environment. He delved further into poverty and loneliness as he grappled with his anonymity in London.
patrons. Venturing to the East Midlands in 1911, Arthur produced two significant landscapes of Cromford – the home of Sir Richard Arkwright. The larger of the two landscapes, Arkwright’s Valley, Derbyshire 1911, is now part of the National Gallery of Victoria’s collection. The smaller landscape Arthur produced, Valley of Sir Richard Arkwright 1911, will lead our upcoming November Fine Art auction. Having been in the same family collection
After this challenging introduction abroad, he finally
for 105 years, this painting will once again have the
reached a turning point in 1899 when he met his
opportunity to be exhibited in the public eye.
future wife Nora Clench – a Canadian violinist who,
OPPOSITE: ARTHUR STREETON
(1867-1943) Valley of Sir Richard Arkwright 1911 oil on canvas in original John Thallon frame (label verso) signed lower right: A. STREETON dated lower left 51 x 75cm $70,000 – 90,000 PROVENANCE: Sir Arthur Streeton Victorian Artists Society Gallery, Melbourne The Collection of Dr. J H. Kelly Thence by descent EXHIBITED: ‘Mr Streeton’s Pictures’, Victorian Artists Society Gallery, Melbourne, June 1914, cat. no. 10. LITERATURE: ‘Mr Arthur Streeton’s pictures’, Leader, Melbourne, 6 June 1914, p.51 Arthur Streeton, The Arthur Streeton Catalogue, Arthur Streeton, Melbourne, 1935, no. 456, Valley of Sir Richard Arkwright, 1911. RELATED WORK: Arkwright’s Valley, Derbyshire 1911, oil on canvas, 90.0 x 144.6cm, The Collection of the National Gallery of Victoria (Also known as Valley of Sir Richard Arkwright). Arkwright Valley c.1913, lithograph, 19.9 x 31.6 cm, The Collection of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney
OLIVIA FULLER / Head of Art
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— AUCTIONS —
WOMEN ARTISTS
TOP LEFT: ANNE MONTGOMERY
(1908-1991) Still Life with Lillies oil on masonite 47 x 37.5cm $900 – 1,200 TOP RIGHT: SYBIL CRAIG
(1901-1989) Bouquet oil on paper 48 x 35cm $1,200 – 1,600
The turn of the twentieth century was a critical time
and Violet Mcinnes again (lot 25) present a more sombre
for women artists in Australia, by the 1900s, women
take on the traditional scene. These palettes inadvertently
played an active part in the nation’s major art schools
compliment the work Portrait of A Boy by the prominent
and institutions, often outnumbering their male peers.
artist, Florence Fuller (lot 24). This painting is a soft yet
Ever so slowly, these female artists began to enter major
striking canvas work of a young boy with a simple white
exhibitions, travel to Europe to enhance their studies and
necktie in period clothing. The artist paved the way for
pursue successful careers as professional artists. Whilst
realism in the late 19th century during the economic
the importance of female artists is still being recognised,
boom in Melbourne, featuring children as her prime
we are delighted to present a curated selection of works
subject matter. Fuller caused a stir when she presented a
in the October Women Artists Auction.
painting of two young girls titled Love of Reading to the National Gallery of Australia, a move that challenged the
With spring frivolously upon us, this collection pays
stereotype of a woman and their depiction in art.
homage to the fresh, colourful scents of Zinnias, Poppies
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and Daffodils. In multiple works we see artists, Violet
With distinctive themes running through the auction, a
Mcinnes (lot 74), Anne Montgomery (lot 83) and Sybil
number of these artists travelled to Europe to hone their
Craig (lot 13 & 18) presenting their take on the humble
skills and explore new subject matter and techniques.
still life, a genre of painting adopted by women in the
Neo-impressionist artist, Jessie Traill delights us with a
Twentieth Century. While artists Nellie Govett (lot 28)
glowing watercolour of Oslo. While visiting Norway in the
— AUCTIONS —
Next Women Artists Auction Wed 9 Oct, 6pm MELBOURNE
With spring frivolously upon us, this collection pays homage to the fresh, colourful scents of Zinnias, Poppies and Daffodils. ABOVE: MIRKA MORA (1928-2018)
Sun hand painted soft sculpture 32cm (height) $1,500 – 2,000
1930s, Traill took inspiration from these cool landscapes,
the new art scene and became an advocate for modern
a true contrast to the dry Australian landscape in which
art and unsurprisingly a voice for women artists at the
she based her early etchings off. Lot 55, Trinity Church
time. Syme’s dedication to the arts was well recognised,
Oslo - Norway 1939 is a fine example of her palette
however it was her linocuts which made her globally
adapting to her Nordic surroundings, adopting blues and
recognised and widely praised for her unique body of
greys to evoke the wintery landscape.
work and complex understanding of colour and form.
Mary Mercer (lot 5), Josephine Muntz-Adams (lot 57) and
With Spring in the air, what better way to celebrate the
Elma Roach’s works follow suit but this time inspired by
warmth than with a fresh array of still-life floral works
the Mediterranean, depicting bustling street scenes, old
and the ever-uplifting sculpture dolls from everyone's
towns and breezy late afternoon sunsets.
favourite, Mirka Mora.
Eveline Syme’s Sydney Tramline 1936 (lot 31) is a
We look forward to welcoming you to the viewing from
stand-out in this collection. The artist was well versed in
Saturday 5th October, with an evening auction on 9th
overseas travel, studying under the Claude Flight school
October.
with Ethel Spowers in the late 1920s. The bold colours, rhythmic design and movement was something unheard
LUCY FOSTER / Art Specialist
of in Australia. Upon returning home, Syme pioneered
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— AUCTIONS —
Next Luxury Auction Wed 13 Nov, 6pm MELBOURNE
TOP: A HAT BY SAINT LAURENT
Sold for $650 MIDDLE: A PAIR OF PLATFORM
HEELS BY GUCCI Sold for $340 BELOW: A LIMITED EDITION
Luxury
LUCKY CHARM FLAP BAG BY CHANEL $3,000 - $5,000
The 2019 Melbourne Spring Carnival is almost underway, bringing with it a flurry of fashion and glamour. Whether you are heading to the elegant Derby Day, Feminine Oaks or prestigious Melbourne Cup, planning an outfit can be a daunting task. Read on to discover how to select winning race day accessories to set you apart from the crowd.
—
HEADWEAR The essential component to any race day ensemble is of course headwear. Whilst traditionally a hat has been the go to, fashionistas have branched out in recent years wearing headbands, turbans, scarfs, fascinators and everything in-between. This sleek hat by Yves Saint Laurent is a perfect combination of edgy and traditional. BAGS Having the perfect bag for racing day is vital. This limited edition flap bag by Chanel is not only quirky and fun, but large enough to hold racing essentials – lipstick, phone and importantly, the form guide! SHOES Being comfortable in heels is a must for race day when walking and standing for long periods of time are guaranteed. This event is the perfect time to bring out stack heels or wedges. JEWELLERY Statement jewellery is the finishing touch to any race day ensemble. A bold pair of earrings or a fabulous necklace can really set you apart form the crowd. BETHANY MCGOUGAN / Luxury Manager
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— AUCTIONS —
Next Prints & Multiples Auction Wed 13 Nov, 6pm MELBOURNE
Prints & Multiples Roger Kemp is now recognized as one of Australia’s greatest innovators in the field of abstract art. — Roger Kemp’s interests were not in the overriding traditions of figurative and landscape art, nor the prevailing trends in non-objective art of his time, but rather something much deeper and more metaphysical. After completing three years of study at the NGV’s School of Painting in 1935, Roger Kemp remained aloof from the art world for a decade, filled with bitter criticism of the conservative creative circles to the new concepts of abstract and experimental art. His artworks were abstract and symbolic. Having a lifelong relationship with music, Kemp’s artworks were constantly referenced in terms of movement and rhythm. After joining George Baldessin in his print workshop in Melbourne, by 1976 Roger Kemp had produced over 80 etchings, all being of the structural complexity of his finest drawings. Many of these etchings have been featured within Leonard Joel’s Prints & Multiples auctions over the years. Roger Kemp is now recognized as one of Australia’s greatest innovators in the field of abstract art. The National Gallery of Victoria have curated a show along with the estate of the artist, Roger Kemp: Visionary Modernist on view until 15th March 2020.
TOP: ROGER KEMP (1908-1987)
BOTTOM: ROGER KEMP
Movement Eight 1980 etching 9/45 37.5 x 36cm © Kemp Estate Sold for $744
(1908-1987) Movement Five 1975 etching A/P 60 x 80cm © Kemp Estate Sold for $744
HANNAH RYAN / Prints Specialist
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— PROFILE —
Minutes with… TOBY LENNOXHILTON
This issue, we spend 5 minutes with Furniture Manager, Toby Lennox-Hilton, who will sadly be leaving Leonard Joel soon to return to the U.K. His calm demeanor and superior styling of the Furniture auction will be missed!
FAVORITE BOOK I’m a big fan of all things Sci-Fi and 2001: A Space Odyssey is harrowingly poignant. I saw the movie first and then read the book and they're both equally brilliant. IDEAL DAY IN MELBOURNE Waking up and going for coffee somewhere in the city before grabbing lunch at a little Indonesian place called
FAVOURITE ARTIST Lucian Freud - the last master. I was obsessed from the first time I was shown Reflection (Self-Portrait) by a tutor in college. Shortly after he died, there was a retrospective show at the National Portrait Gallery, London and it was the first time I considered the subject matter of a painting being the paint itself, rather than the sitter. FAVOURITE WORK OF ART This is a harder one to choose but John Martin’s The Great Day of His Wrath is an epic! The hopelessness of it all really puts life into perspective. FAVOURITE COFFEE / WINE! I love coffee, and wine, and I will really miss the wine in Australia. I have been particularly enjoying riesling and pinot noir recently. On the contrary, I’ll usually go for a full-bodied, robust coffee.
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Salero Kito. After that, a lap of the art galleries in the CBD to check out the latest exhibitions, ending the day with beers and dumplings and then a movie... or more beers!
22
ND REPORT
Panel Discussion with Azzedine Downes (IFAW), John Albrecht (Leonard Joel) and Andrew Burke (AFR) as Moderator.
Three Years and Real Change — On Thursday 12th September, almost exactly three years
to dramatically reduce trade in these materials and it is
since IFAW first made contact with Leonard Joel, we
our sincere hope that, as once the biggest auction trader
hosted Azzedine Downes, global president and CEO of
in these materials, our adoption of the UK model will
IFAW for a fund-raising and awareness initiative. The focus
encourage local government and industry to follow our lead
of the evening was Leonard Joel’s voluntary policy on the
and embrace a comprehensive ban on the trade of these
cessation of rhinoceros horn and elephant ivory and the
materials.
timing of this event was particularly poignant.
The evening was supported not just by IFAW’s amazing,
To begin with IFAW was celebrating its 50th anniversary
committed team from all over the globe but also by Andrew
and we our centenary. But beyond these milestones much
Burke of the Australian Financial Review who hosted a panel
more meaningful events were being both celebrated and
discussion, a wonderful audience of clients and friends who
discussed. This year the United Kingdom introduced its
donated generously to anti-poaching projects and just as
world-leading legislation to restrict and reduce the trade in
generously no less than nine gallerists and artists donated
these materials and we, Leonard Joel, publicly committed
works of art for Art for IFAW, a timed online auction with all
to match this legislation effective 1st January 2020. Our
proceeds to IFAW.
further embrace of cessation in these materials means we reduce our 50% De Minimis threshold to 10% for antiques and 20% for musical instruments, effectively reducing even further and more dramatically our remaining incidental
A total of almost $35,00 was raised and I would like to sincerely thank ALL generous donors and bidders. Your money is truly going to aid a great cause.
trade in pieces that have a small element of ivory in them.
BY JOHN ALBRECHT
Our decision is timely given the Australian government will
—
be considering this year the adoption of local legislation
leonardjoel.com.au | 21
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With regular auctions in Fine Art, Jewels & Watches, Decorative Arts, Modern Design and Luxury, there’s something to suit every taste and budget at Leonard Joel.
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Contact a Leonard Joel team member or stop by a saleroom if you have any questions.
CENTUM
VERNON AH KEE YVONNE AUDETTE DEL KATHRYN BARTON DANIEL BOYD
May 2020 —
CRESSIDA CAMPBELL CRISS CANNING JON CATTAPAN ROBERT CLINCH PAUL DAVIES MARTINE EMDUR NICHOLAS HARDING BRENT HARRIS LOUISE HEARMAN BILL HENSON SAM LEACH GUY MAESTRI
We're excited to announce Centum, a new Contemporary Art
ALEXANDER MCKENZIE
auction which will launch next May 2020.
TRACEY MOFFATT
Centum will collate and present 100 works by Australia’s leading
JOHN OLSEN
contemporary artists in a standalone Contemporary Art auction. We are specifically seeking the works by the artists listed here. If
PATRICIA PICCININI
you are thinking of selling please contact Head of Fine Art, Olivia
WILLIAM ROBINSON
Fuller for a complimentary market valuation.
PHILLIP WOLFHAGEN MICHAEL ZAVROS
olivia.fuller@leonardjoel.com.au | 03 8825 5624
Under The Hammer Welcome to our new feature, Under The Hammer, in which we will share one or a few of the rare, beautiful and extraordinary pieces to pass through our doors since the last issue. Two Chinese painted silk and soapstone inset erotic panels recently sold for a remarkable $62,000 in our dedicated Asian Art Auction. Comprising two panels of painted silk on a card backing within a cloth bound frame, each panel is further encapsulated within a Chinese book style box. Each panel depicts figures within a classical Chinese garden landscapes with pavilions.
LEFT: TWO CHINESE SETS OF PAINTED SILK AND SOAPSTONE
INSET EROTIC PANELS QING DYNASTY (1644-1912), 19TH CENTURY Sold for $62,000
— 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
Hannah Ryan 03 8825 5630 | hannah.ryan@leonardjoel.com.au FURNITURE Toby Lennox-Hilton 03 8825 5640 | toby.lennox-hilton@leonardjoel.com.au JEWELLERY Bethany McGougan 03 8825 5645 | bethany.mcgougan@leonardjoel.com.au OBJECTS & COLLECTABLES Nora Merralls 03 8825 5604 | nora.merralls@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 03 8825 5625 | nora.merralls@leonardjoel.com.au LUXURY Bethany McGougan 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 Telephone: 02 9362 9045
leonardjoel.com.au | 25
— PROFILE —
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