Valuations

The Rothschild Collection —

Leonard Joel is honoured to be handling the Rothschild Collection in December. Comprising over 700 lots, we will be offering the collection in capsule format across our suite of auctions commencing with Fine Jewels & Timepieces and Fine Art, The Thursday Auctions and finishing with Decorative Arts.

Bernard and Rose Rothschild were married for over 70 years, and they both enjoyed frequenting all the auction houses in Melbourne, acquiring a broad range of objects from works of art to furniture, decorative objects, and jewellery.

Many will remember them as regular clients of Leonard Joel over decades. They often could be found holding hands inspecting items in different parts of the building, and were active bidders each week, as well as at our evening sales.

I have fond memories of Rose, always immaculately dressed in a two-piece suit trying on jewellery with purpose and style. She had a sharp aesthetic and knew exactly what would work. Some of the highlights included in the Fine Jewels & Timepieces Auction include the glamorous emerald and diamond earrings (Lot 265) and the coral and diamond necklace (Lot 261) - always worn with finesse. Although she had favourite pieces she liked to wear, Rose also rotated her jewellery and often wore numerous pieces at once. Bernard also knew that if Rose wanted a particular item, she would make it quite clear; “Buy it for me, Bernard”, and he would always try to oblige.

Fine Art and Decorative Arts were also highly collected, and we are delighted to be offering works by artists including Ray Crooke, Nora Heysen and David Boyd. Decorative Arts ranges from Boulle bracket clocks to sterling silver and Sèvres porcelain.

This diverse collection represents many years of joy and pride, and truly reflects passionate collecting at its best.

CAROLINE TICKNER / Head of Valuations

ABOVE: An Italian Gold and Coral Necklace $5,000-6,000 The Rothschild Collection