ISSUE 90 FEBRUARY – MARCH 2021
LEONARD
FEBRUARY
A Summer Design Collection Monday 15 February, 2pm / MELBOURNE Peninsula Antiques e Moderno: Relocation Auction Sunday 21 February, 10am / COLLINGWOOD Indigenous Art Wednesday 24 February, 6pm / MELBOURNE A Gentleman's Collection: The Estate of Rodney Permezel
MARCH
Sunday 28 February, 2pm / MELBOURNE Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Wednesday 3 March, 6pm / MELBOURNE The Collector's Auction Sunday 14 March, 2pm / SYDNEY Fine Jewels & Timepieces Monday 15 March, 6pm / MELBOURNE Fine Art Tuesday 16 March, 6pm / MELBOURNE Modern Design Monday 29 March, 6pm / MELBOURNE Luxury Tuesday 30 March, 6pm / MELBOURNE Prints & Multiples Wednesday 31 March, 6pm / MELBOURNE
APRIL
auction calendar —
Important Jewels Tuesday 20 April, 6pm / SYDNEY The Auction Salon Furniture & Interiors – 10am Jewellery – 10.30am Art – 11am Objects & Collectables – 11.30am MELBOURNE
LEFT: A CHINESE FENCAI/FAMILLE
COVER: TOM ROBERTS (1856-1931)
ROSE BUTTERFLY BOWL QING DYNASTY, TONGZHI MARK AND OF THE PERIOD (1861-1875) $500-700 Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Auction
Portrait of a Lady c.1880s (detail) oil on canvas 60 x 50cm $60,000-80,000 Fine Art Auction
welcome —
This Issue FROM THE DIRECTOR 3 The Economy of Beautiful Things and Interesting People AUCTIONS 4 Private Collections: A Gentleman's Collection: The Estate of Rodney Permezel 6 Important Jewels: Colour: How we see diamonds
Welcome to the 90th issue of Leonard. Within this issue, we learn about the fascinating history of one of the most famous jewels in the world, share five reasons to love designer handbags (not that we need reasons!), discover the beautiful "Portrait of a Lady" by Tom Roberts, and learn the science behind colour in diamonds and gemstones.
and gemstones 8 Fine Art: Facing the Unknown: The Modern Female Portrait 10 Fine Jewels & Timepieces: The Hope Diamond: Centuries of Intrigue 12 Asian Works of Art: A Specialist’s Insight 14 Modern Design: Shadows of Gray 16 Luxury: Five Reasons To Love Designer Bags 18 Prints & Multiples: Invader: Work in Pixels – IN FOCUS
We also explore the pioneering work of architect and designer Eileen Gray, celebrate The Estate of Rodney Permezel, get to know the practices of French street artist Invader, and Carl Wantrup, our Asian Art specialist, shares some of his knowledge.
20 5 Minutes with Troy McKenzie
We hope you enjoy.
29 Contact a Leonard Joel Specialist
21 22nd Report: IFAW’s continued work to rescue and protect animals around the world 22 Valuations: Why Leonard Joel? JOIN US 28 Connect & Buy with Leonard Joel
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— FROM THE DIRECTOR —
THE ECONOMY OF BEAUTIFUL THINGS AND INTERESTING PEOPLE Providing the most innovative and fascinating market place for collectors
The economy of beautiful things and interesting people, as I like to personally describe Leonard Joel, is, with 2020 behind us, a very different auction house that looks to the future with a commitment to improving our digital and physical customer experiences. Having pushed through all the challenges - both frightening and fascinating - of last year, we look forward to expanding our offering in different ways. For the sake of novelty I’ll start in Queensland, where under the infectious enthusiasm of Brisbane-born Troy McKenzie, we will be expanding our auction services to the collectors of that state with select viewings and auction events. In our Sydney office, we have expanded our footprint with a devoted Client Lounge that will soon be available for visitors to our Woollahra salerooms requiring more private consultations with our specialists. Our Important Jewels department expands its team with the appointment of Louisa Hirst who brings extensive international experience from her time with Sotheby’s in New York. Our Melbourne flagship is not short of news either, with the appointment of Bethany McGougan as our new Head of Fine Jewels & Timepieces. Bethany too has extensive local and international auction experience and with a real passion for finding that perfect ring for clients, she will bring a refreshing signature style to her Melbourne department. New categories also enter our calendar this year with our first devoted Indigenous Art Auction to be held in February under the thoughtful eye of Lucy Foster in Melbourne. These will be our differences in 2021 as we gradually further connect and grow our Eastern seaboard market places for our clients, both buyers and sellers, with the continuous goal of providing the most innovative and fascinating market place for collectors of the rare and the beautiful, wherever they are in Australia. JOHN ALBRECHT
Managing Director / National Head of Collections
ABOVE: A Beautifully Sculptured Egyptian
Mummy Mask New Kingdom, 19th To 21st Dynasty, Circa 1292 To 1069 B.C. Sold for $2,250 OPPOSITE: Leonard Joel, Melbourne
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PRIVATE COLLECTIONS A Gentleman’s Collection: The Estate of Rodney Permezel For many regular Leonard Joel clientele, Wednesday
A highlight from his Australiana collection is a unique
A Gentleman's
viewing days are an unmissable ritual that forms part of
early 1800s Port Arthur Colonial convict’s cap. These
Collection: The Estate of
their weekly routine, serving as both a shopping exercise
caps are extremely rare, with all documented examples
Rodney Permezel
and a social event. This was true for long-time patron,
currently housed in public collections around Australia
Sun 28 Feb 2021
Rodney Permezel. Every Wednesday, he would be seen
including the Powerhouse and the Museum of Applied
MELBOURNE
visiting all departments, effortlessly engaging in lengthy
Arts and Sciences. They are distinctive and represent
discussions on antiques or art, often leaving all parties
the harsh conditions experienced by many as part of
OPPOSITE: Highlights from
much the wiser.
Australia’s early penal colonies.
A Gentleman's Collection: The Estate of Rodney Permezel
Indeed, many clients and staff knew Rod by name, or if
In addition to early English glass drinking vessels, Rod
not by name, by his unmistakable uniform: formal blazer,
also coveted a small collection of Mercury glass vessels.
tie, chinos, beret, gloves, and leather briefcase.
Mid-19th Century lustrous silvered glass is considered
I have many fond memories of talking to Rod on his regular Wednesday visits, where he keenly bestowed priceless information. Rod was remarkably conversant on a variety of art and antique subjects, and his collection is an assemblage of this keen interest in and knowledge of antiques. Having a rich colonial family history, Rod fostered his affinity for history and design during his days as an Interior Design student at RMIT, and through experience in the soft furnishing department at Georges in the late 1950s. In the early 60s, he opened an Interior Design practice before transitioning into the antiques trade, opening a shop on Malvern Road, Outpost Antiques and later Design House on High Street, Armadale. The
one of the earliest forms of Victorian art glass. In addition to the inherent artistic value, mercury glass was a popular economic alternative to real silver, sometimes referred to as the peasant’s or farmer’s silver, and gifted to newlywed couples. Highlights from Rod’s mercury glass collection include a rare table candelabra with four matching mercury glass candles. A traditional antique highlight is a large 19th Century white marble bust of Corneille Van Cleve, modelled after the work of French artist Jean-Jacques Caffieri. This finely carved bust depicting the much-celebrated sculptor Van Cleve once again epitomises Rod’s fine taste as a gentleman collector, with an appreciation for European sculpture masters.
shop closed in the mid-1980s, but this did not stop Rod’s
It is with great pleasure that Leonard Joel presents
passion from his Armadale home, where he continued to
the Rodney Permezel collection at auction on Sunday
research, with copious notes and books that documented
February 28, 2021. It is a collection full of surprises,
and complimented his collection.
classics, and pieces of sentimental value, representing
We now have the privilege of sharing Rod’s library and collection with the public. The collection speaks volumes about his extensive knowledge, eye for style and commitment to antiques and history. Each piece reflects his niche interests which included early English drinking glasses, Georgian silhouettes, armorial porcelain, antique
a set of unique items that bring together one man’s lifelong commitment to art, style and pure craftmanship. Any serious collector or individual interested in finding that unique piece or compliment to a beloved collection should not miss this opportunity. CHIARA CURCIO / Head of Decorative Arts
boxes, early cutlery, Australiana, examples of rare glass globes, vintage sporting equipment and, astonishingly, a large collection of games and dolls house furniture. leonardjoel.com.au | 5
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IMPORTANT JEWELS Colour: How we see diamonds and gemstones
Colour surrounds us in the natural world, and while we
enough to overpower it. This percentage varies with
Important Jewels Auction
often take it for granted, it has more influence on us than
each colour, just as the saturation range varies between
Tues 20 Apr 2021
we may imagine. Some behavioural scientists contended
hues. For example, saturation in a yellow stone may
SYDNEY
that colour has an impact on our moods. Marketers
reach as high as ninety percent, whilst in a blue stone
frequently leverage colour to sway our buying behaviour.
it may only reach three percent, with the result that a
OPPOSITE: Platinum, Topaz And
Stylists use colour to assert attitude. Ancient civilisations
small percentage increase in tone on a blue stone would
Diamond Ring Sold For $27,500
allocated colours to religious rites and cultural practices.
have a far greater impact on the blue, resulting in the
When it comes to diamonds and gemstones, colour - or
grey becoming more noticeable. Stones with a higher
TOP LEFT: Pair Of 18ct Pearl,
an absence of it - is a fundamental factor in a stone’s
saturation, such as yellow, would require correspondingly
beauty, value, and uniqueness.
higher levels of tone for the brown to be observed. When
Enamel, Argyle Fancy Pink Diamond And Diamond Earrings, Sarah Ho Sold For $22,500 TOP RIGHT: 18ct Gold, Platinum,
Sapphire And Diamond Ring, Oscar Heyman & Brothers Sold For $12,500
Modern science maintains that all colours in the universe are founded in three elements: hue (colour), saturation (chroma) and tone (value). Hue refers to the spectral
the percentage of tone exceeds the saturation, the brown or grey will actually become the body (primary) colour and the hue the modifier, for example bluish-grey.
colours such as red, green, blue, and so on, that are
What we see in colourless (popularly referred to as white)
visibly distinct from each other. As an exception, some
crystals is simply due to the unimpeded transmission of
gemstones exhibit a subtle combination of two or
all hues in the visible region of the solar spectrum. Colour
three colours. The secondary or modifying hue in these
on the other hand in a crystal is related to the presence of
stones is usually nominated first, such as “purplish-pink”
impurity atoms and structural defects in the gems atomic
denoting that a slight amount of purple is mixed with a
structure, both of which act as colour centers. The colour
predominately pink colour.
centers alter the transmission of visible light through the
Saturation represents the intensity, or quantity, of colour in a stone. The best way to understand this is if you take a can of blue paint and gradually stir in some white, rather than getting a new colour, the result is a lighter blue. An exception to this rule is that by adding white to red, we make pink. Red is a highly saturated pink; they are the same hue but the quantity of red colour is less in pink. Tone refers to how light or dark a colour is. On a scale of 0 to 10, 0 is colourless (or white), 5 is a medium grey and 10 is black. So, as the tone increases, it intensifies the “darkness” of the stone. Tone begins to impact the
stone by absorbing certain spectral wavelengths or hues. The remaining lines or wavelengths of white light that the stone did not absorb are transmitted to the observer. The way in which these remaining spectral wavelengths are combined and perceived by the human eye and translated by the brain determines the colour we see. With this knowledge, next time you admire a diamond or coloured stone, consider how the colour, saturation, and tone have formed its unique look and influenced the way you see it. HAMISH SHARMA / Head of Important Jewels
saturation of a stone once it reaches a percentage high
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FINE ART
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Facing the Unknown: The Modern Female Portrait Throughout shifting cultures, societies, and tastes,
Tom Roberts’ first significant portrait, A Spanish Beauty,
portraiture has remained one of the most popular,
was painted either during his trip to Spain in 1883 or
prosperous, and personal choices of artistic subject
immediately upon his return to London, and is indicative
matter. Britain’s obsession with portraiture infiltrated
of the many complexities of portraiture of women that
Australian art from its colonisation in the 1780s. Our
Roberts encountered throughout his artistic career. For
first artist professionally trained as a portrait painter was
example, costume could highlight social identity but
Richard Read Senior, who arrived in Sydney as a convict
also those subtleties of beauty and desire attributed
in 1813. He painted small watercolour portraits and
to the gaze. The black lace frames her soft and sensual
miniatures of settlers. However, by the late 19th Century,
face while the dappled light illuminates her delicate
PROVENANCE: Private collection Colonna: 2 St. Ninian’s Road Brighton, Leonard Joel, Melbourne, 26 September 1960, lot 141 (as ‘Portrait’, 35 gns) Private collection, Melbourne Thence by descent
portrait painting was no longer so forcefully intertwined
complexion. The black clothing was a sign of mourning
within art practice as the advent of photography steered
for her husband, and her gaze remains to the side
many artists to other subject matter. With this shift in
as though contemplating the gravity of her loss. The
focus came a newfound freedom for artists. No longer
background, dark in colour, is simple – reduced to a
constrained to the requirements of commissioned portrait
backdrop to permit the subject complete focus. This
LITERATURE: Topliss, H., Tom Roberts 18561931: A Catalogue Raisonne, Oxford University Press, Melbourne, vol.1, cat. no. 55, (illus. vol. 2, pl. 17) $60,000-80,000
painting, artists could explore and renew the creativity
simplification of setting Roberts learned from the Spanish
of portraiture. They painted their friends and lovers in
painters.
Fine Art Auction Tues 16 Mar 2021 MELBOURNE LEFT: TOM ROBERTS (1856-1931)
Portrait of a Lady c.1880s oil on canvas signed lower centre: T. Roberts 60 x 50cm
ABOVE: TOM ROBERTS
(1856-1931) A Spanish Beauty
whatever way they pleased and by the 1880s we began to see the beginnings of the modern portrait.
In the 1880s Tom Roberts also produced Portrait of a Lady, another powerful yet intimate portrait of an
In their creative exploration of modern portraiture, artists
unknown female. Through the realist brushstrokes, oval
of the time introduced new methods of identifying and
bordering, and close perspective, the viewer is captivated
individualising their subjects, especially female subjects.
by the sitter. Similarly to A Spanish Beauty, her gaze is
One of Australia’s most recognised and revered artists
aside in contemplative thought. This redirected gaze was
of this time was Tom Roberts. The artist’s portraiture
utilised thoroughly by Roberts in these portraits of the
of women in the late nineteenth and early twentieth
modern woman. No longer is she there to acknowledge
centuries was considerable, keeping quantity with those
our presence as the viewer, but rather we are driven
of males. The majority dated between 1885 and 1900
by intrigue to identify and acknowledge her. Whilst
when Roberts had returned from the Royal Academy and
many of Tom Roberts’ portraits remain recorded with
his European travels. Most of these portraits adopted
unnamed subjects, this seems somewhat inconsequential
a freer approach, with subjects largely recorded as
to their powerful presence. His portraits exemplify
unnamed women who were willing to allow him to paint
his compassionate eye and define the intensity of the
their profile in exchange for a glass of wine or food rather
interaction between painter and subject.
than by commission.
We are pleased to present Tom Roberts Portrait of a Lady c.1880s in our forthcoming March Fine Art Auction and invite you to experience its powerful presence at our viewings in both Sydney and Melbourne. OLIVIA FULLER / Head of Art leonardjoel.com.au | 9
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FINE JEWELS & TIMEPIECES
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The Hope Diamond: Centuries of Intrigue With a dazzling natural blue hue and weighing an Fine Jewels & Timepieces
impressive 45.52cts, the Hope diamond is unrivalled
Auction
as a rare natural wonder. With impressive provenance
Mon 15 Mar 2021
and owners including Louis XVI, Pierre Cartier and Harry
MELBOURNE
Winston, stories surrounding the stone have associated it with tragedy and misfortune – a supposed ‘curse’ of the
OPPOSITE: Mrs Evalyn Walsh
McLean wearing the Hope diamond, 1915 RIGHT: The Hope diamond on
display at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C., U.S.
blue diamond. Originally known as the ‘Tavernier Blue’, the diamond was mined in the Kollur mine in India and was subsequently acquired by French gem merchant Jean-Baptiste Tavernier in the 17th Century. Originally faceted in a rough triangular shape and weighing a staggering 112.23cts, Tavernier sold the diamond to Sun King Louis XIV of France. After acquiring the diamond, the King had the diamond recut to 67.12cts and was said to have worn it on blue ribbon as a necklace. After inheriting the diamond from his great-grandfather, Louis XV had the stone set into an elaborate pendant in 1749. Court jeweler Andre Jacquemin designed a magnificent piece featuring the diamond along with a carved red spinel and 112 diamonds. By the time ownership of the diamond passed to Louis XVI, it was commonly referred to as the ‘French Blue’. Following the turmoil of the French revolution, the diamond disappeared, reappearing decades later in London. In 1839, wealthy British banker Henry Philip Hope referred to the impressive blue stone of 45cts in his gem catalogue and the diamond acquired its current name. After Hope’s death, the stone traded hands several times amongst dealers in Europe, eventually appearing at auction in Paris in 1909. Later that year, Pierre Cartier purchased the diamond from French trader Simon Rosenau for 500,000 francs, equating to an estimated $2.2 million USD today. After acquiring the diamond, Cartier had it set into an impressive pendant within a surround of sixteen pear and cushion cut white diamonds and set about finding a wealthy buyer. Cartier approached American heiress and socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean as she was a well-known collector of significant jewellery pieces. To encourage a sale to McLean, Cartier embellished the 19th Century whispers of misfortune associated with the stone, increasing its mystery and intrigue. The stories included previous
owners Princess de Lambale who was beaten to death, and Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette who were beheaded in the revolution. Other holders of the diamond were said to have committed suicide, been murdered or left penniless. The rumours suggested that the misfortune associated with the stone was due to the original owner Tavernier stealing the piece from a Hindu statue of the goddess Sita. The myth perpetuated the notion that Tavernier was killed by wild dogs in Turkey, when in fact he died in Moscow at the age of 84. This claim of a diamond curse was discussed by historian Richard Kurin at the Smithsonian Institute in the 2010 documentary “Mystery of the Hope diamond.” He said: “The curse was an invention. The brain child of Pierre Cartier who fabricated the tallest of tales to whet Evalyn Walsh McLean’s appetite for the diamond. Cartier’s brilliant sales pitch had created for the Hope Diamond a legendary mystique that elevated it into one of the world’s most valuable artefacts’’ McLean purchased the piece in 1911 for $180,000USD (an equivalent of an estimated $5 million USD today) and wore it often. She is quoted as saying “I like to pretend the thing brings good luck.” Following her death in 1947, American jeweler Harry Winston purchased McLean’s jewellery estate and eventually donated the Hope diamond to the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC. Currently on view at the National Museum of Natural History, the museum has reported the diamond has brought them "nothing but good luck’’, due to the stream of seven million visitors that come to marvel at the piece each year. BETHANY MCGOUGAN / Head of Fine Jewels
& Timepieces
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ASIAN WORKS OF ART
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A Specialist’s Insight
Chiara Curcio, Leonard Joel’s Head of Decorative
What item are you most looking forward to offering
Chinese Ceramics and
Arts, sits down with Asian Art Specialist Carl Wantrup
in the forthcoming March Chinese Ceramics and Works
Works of Art Auction
to explore the world of collecting, appreciating, and
of Art Auction?
Wed 3 Mar 2021
understanding Asian antiques and works of art.
My personal favourite in our auction this March is a
MELBOURNE
OPPOSITE: A Chinese Longquan
Carved Celadon Vase Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) $2,000-3,000 ABOVE RIGHT: Carl Wantrup,
Asian Art Specialist
small Chinese Longquan celadon flower vase of the Where did your passion for Asian antiques and design
Ming Dynasty, with incised decoration of scrolling
begin?
flowers around the sides, accompanied by an early fitted
My grandfather was a collector of old European paintings
Japanese wooden box. This piece is of excellent colour
and decorative arts, but also had a few Ming and Qing
for its period, with wonderful incised decoration, and
Dynasty Chinese Buddhist bronzes in his collection. When
being a Japanese heirloom ceramic, is in really fantastic
I look back, I realise that being around these mysterious
condition, and is quite special in being accompanied by
Eastern devotional sculptures as a child was a strong
such an early box.
experience in forming my love of Asian art. But the point where it really took off was in my art practice in my teens
What piece of advice would you give to an Asian art
and twenties, being influenced by New York school
collector?
abstract expressionism and gestural abstraction, and that
Simply put, to see and handle as many genuine pieces
led me to the simple, gestural black ink brushwork of
as possible. This involves visiting fine public and private
Song Dynasty Chinese Ch’an painters, and later Japanese
collecting institutions in Australia like the National Gallery
Zen Buddhist painters of the 16th to 18th Centuries. From
in Canberra, the NGV in Melbourne, the Art Gallery of
there, it was only a short jump to the decorative arts like
NSW, and if possible, international institutions like the
ceramics and sculpture.
MET in New York, The British Museum, the National Palace Museum in Taipei, Tokyo National Museum, and
During your time at Leonard Joel which item that you
many others. I also recommend viewing as many well
have handled has left the biggest impression?
curated auctions as possible, both in Australia and around
I have handled some wonderful and rare pieces whilst
the world, where one can handle a significant number of
working with Leonard Joel, but by far the biggest
vetted pieces. Lastly, dealing with great specialist dealers,
impression was left by the inscribed Qianlong Imperial
one can glean some very subtle information on artworks
zitan box from the de Voogd Collection sold by us in
and specialist points of understanding that are the sum of
June 2020, amid the strangest and most poignant year
their decades of scholarship and connoisseurship in their
in my memory. As I was walking through the de Voogd
chosen field.
household on my first visit, a small box caught my eye, the quality and elegance striking me instantly. This box
CARL WANTRUP / Asian Art Specialist
was not part of the group of works we had initially talked
CHIARA CURCIO / Head of Decorative Arts
about for the consignment, and it took a while for the vendor to be willing to sell it, but it eventually hammered for $125,000. As far as I am aware, this was an Australian record for a Chinese scholar’s object. But more than this, it was one of the finest, most beautiful and culturally rich objects I have ever handled.
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MODERN DESIGN
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Shadows of Gray
Modern Design Auction Mon 29 Mar 2021 MELBOURNE
OPPOSITE: Eileen Gray's Villa
“I was not a pusher, and maybe that’s the reason I did not get to the place I should have had.”
EILEEN GRAY
E-1027 Image ©Mary Gaudin RIGHT: Eileen Gray's Villa E-1027
As Le Corbusier’s heart failed him and he was lost
Image ©Mary Gaudin
beneath the waves of the French Riviera, he found himself
BELOW: Eileen Gray, 1926
- for one last time - in the shadow of Eileen Gray’s legacy: namely, her modernist villa, E-1027. Eileen Gray was born into an aristocratic Irish family in 1878, she grew up in Wexford County, and divided her time between Ireland and London. Gray moved to Paris in
Gray moved out of E-1027 in 1932 after splitting from her
1902, focusing her career on lacquer screens and cabinets
lover, the architect Jean Badovici. Corbusier was a good
while also experimenting with fabric and carpet design.
friend of Badovici so he came to spend many weekends
Her early works from this period were influenced by the
at the house, consumed with envy that a woman with no
symbolist movement, along with the abstract geometric
architectural experience had created such beauty and
principles of the Dutch art movement, De Stijl.
symmetry. During his time there he began to paint murals
By the early 1920s, Gray had opened a shop under a male name, Galerie Jean Désert, allowing her to mask her gender and create ambiguity around the
over the pure white walls, most of them erotic in nature. What Le Corbusier may have considered a celebration of art and inspiration, reeked more of narcissistic vandalism.
store’s management. It was around this time that Gray
When Badovici died in 1956, Le Corbusier tried to
began experimenting with tubular steel, this was also
purchase E-1027. Unsuccessful, he went on to buy
happening in Germany within the Bauhaus school. Gray’s
the surrounding beach huts and permanently moved
experiments, however, did not happen with the support
next door. His obsession was absolute. In 1957, whilst
of group conversations or metal factories, instead she
swimming below the house, he suffered a fatal heart
worked autonomously, investigating the materials to
attack.
facilitate her own design needs.
As fate would have it, the murals of the now famous
It was not until her late 40s that Gray transitioned to
Le Corbusier would save the house from ruin. The
architecture. With no formal training she went on to
artworks spurred the French government into buying the
design what is now regarded as one of the most famous
ruinous property in 2000, and following this, a complete
modernist houses in the world, E-1027. This achievement
restoration to its original designs.
was certainly not without controversy. E-1027 shares a strange chapter involving the French architect Le Corbusier that would go on to warp Gray’s true sentiment for the house.
Only truly finding public acclaim at age 94, Eileen Gray was a pioneer who carved out her space in the hostile, male-centric world of modernism. And, like it or not, we must thank Le Corbusier for his post-humous preservation
Around the same time Gray built E-1027, Le Corbusier
of her work. Their relationship shares a strange symbiosis,
was exhibiting his designs in Paris, gaining acclaim for his
and while he died in the shadow of E-1027, its legacy is
radical architecture. Corbusier’s interiors, however, did not
secured under his.
live up to his external building designs and he seemed to be unable to find a connection between the two. It was
ANNA GRASSHAM / Head of Modern Design
not until he visited E-1027 that he saw what he strived to accomplish, a modernist building that resonated both inside and out. leonardjoel.com.au | 15
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Luxury Five Reasons To Love Designer Bags — 1. A Personal Tool-Kit
that trendy bar with your Chanel exotic leather skin clutch,
Luxury Auction
Don’t leave home without it! Everything that you need
and what would a shopping trip be without your Limited
Tues 30 Mar 2021
must be at your fingertips. Looking for that credit card
Edition Louis Vuitton monogram graffiti tote? It is a little
MELBOURNE
for that ‘must have’ purchase? Need a freshen up with
materialistic, I know, but there’s something to be said for
your favourite fragrance, or in desperate need of some lip
the instant gratification.
TOP: An Exotic Skin Kelly 28
balm? Where are those car keys when you need them?
Handbag By Hermès Sold For $37,500
Let’s add iphone cords, good luck charms, hand sanitizer
OPPOSITE: John D'Agata, Head of
case with your private little world chaotically contained
Luxury at Leonard Joel, inspects a Hermès Birkin
and face masks to the list too. A bag is your personal carry inside.
4. It’s worth it Generally speaking, good designer bags are costly, however they are worth it. Even entry point designer pieces such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci monogram canvas bags are well made, and generally stand the test of time. They age
2. Individuality
gracefully and sometimes even look better than they did
You’ve got to love it, don’t you? Designer bags reflect our
when they were brand new.
personality and let others know how we see ourselves. Are you sporting a Vintage Kelly with a co-ordinating Hermès Twilly tied to the handle for effect? Or maybe it’s a chic Alexander McQueen, or a classic Chanel 2.55? Though you may not realise it, you are sending little messages about yourself out into the world. A signature piece says a lot about you.
5. Can’t live without it! The thrill and excitement of finding the perfect designer bag is like no other. It’s like looking for a new home, when you mentally place all of your furnishings in each room and imagine yourself living there. When buying a bag, you normally plan out where and how you will use it and think of all the places that you can go to show it off. In
3. Prestige
good times and in bad, this faithful companion will always
You’ve made it! You deserve that bag. Walk into that
be by your side. You will forget that you are carrying one
fashionable restaurant and plonk that Birkin ‘So Black’
and it almost becomes part of your body, yet you’ll always
on the table. They will pretend that they are not looking,
remember seeing the bag for the first time and the thrill it
but you know they are! Meet your girlfriend for drinks at
gave you. JOHN D'AGATA / Head of Luxury
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— AUCTIONS —
Prints & Multiples Invader: Work in Pixels — Prints & Multiples Auction Wed 31 Mar 2021 MELBOURNE
When we talk of Street Art, we inevitably list graffiti,
For every work that Invader puts in the street, he also
collage, murals, stencils and lastly, mosaic tiling. All these
creates one ‘alias’ mosaic. These are to be sold in galleries,
mediums have several representatives and masters, except
being more carefully created, and set into perspex. Each
for the last one. Invader is the original creator of in situ
alias is accompanied by an ID card recording the location
mosaic tiling as Street Art. Working anonymously, he is,
of the original invasion. For the collector, these artworks are
ABOVE: Space Invader LDN-08
along with Banksy, one of the world’s most renowned urban
symbolically linked to the work on the street.
1999 at Old Brewer's Yard, Shelton Street, London
artists.
OPPOSITE: SPACE INVADER
Alias LDN-08 1999 - 2007 72 ceramic and mirror tiles/resin 21 x 22 x 4cm $10,000 - 15,000
Leonard Joel’s March Prints and Multiples auction brings
Invader is a French Street Artist who has been working
us Alias LDN-08. Originally created on Old Brewers Yard,
on the Space Invader Project since 1998. This collection
Shelton Street, London; the date of the invasion was June
is about liberating art from museums and galleries. “Each
1999. The alias was exhibited within Invaders solo show at
time I put a new piece in the street, it is like a memorable
Lazarides Gallery, London and it has since been brought to
exhibit”. Invader uses ceramic tiles to bring the pixelations
Australia in a private collection.
into our physical world. He started installing his characters around the streets of Paris before taking the invasion to a global scale.
Invader has only just begun to grace the Australian secondary market, making this a highly desired and collectable work of art. HANNAH RYAN / Prints & Multiples Manager
leonardjoel.com.au | 19
— PROFILE —
Minutes with… TROY MCKENZIE
This issue, we chat to Troy McKenzie, our Queensland Representative Specialist. Troy has a background in jewels, and shares some of his personal favourite designers as well as giving us a glimpse of life in sunny Brisbane. FAVOURITE MAKER / ARTIST It is hard to choose only one - I am a lover of David
Reading is a real holiday treat for me, and an indulgence
Webb and his combinations of colours and extraordinary
I cherish. I love sitting on the beach under an umbrella
designs. Suzanne Belperron is also a favoured jeweller of
getting lost in a book for several hours. I’ve enjoyed so
mine, and vintage Cartier designs are some of my all-time
many books, it’s really hard to pick a favourite, but “I am
favourites.
Pilgrim” by Terry Hayes was a mystery suspense story
FAVOURITE WORK OF ART / OBJECT After visiting the Cartier exhibition in Canberra a few
that I just couldn’t put down. YOUR IDEAL DAY IN BRISBANE
years ago, I fell in love with Barbara Hutton’s jadeite
My ideal day would begin with a morning run and swim
necklace. I am captivated by the translucency and the
to cool down, followed by a long lazy alfresco lunch with
brilliant green colour with the calibre-cut ruby clasp. I’m
great friends and lots of laughs.
also partial to my talented daughter’s sketches that have pride of place in my home. FAVOURITE COFFEE / WINE / COCKTAIL After a morning walk with my dog, I enjoy sitting on the grassy knoll overlooking the Brisbane River with a piccolo from Kin & Co, and the dogs really enjoy the famous Kin & Co dog treats too. A refreshing gin and tonic on a hot summer’s day is always very welcome and much enjoyed.
20 | leonardjoel.com.au
FAVOURITE BOOK
22
ND REPORT
IFAW’s continued work to rescue and protect animals around the world — ABOVE: Nania enjoying a mud-bath
with her sheep friend Whisty in the background before her translocation. Photo: Melanie Mahoney / IFAW
Despite the unprecedented obstacles the COVID-19
IFAW’s Beijing Raptor Rescue Centre had 28 raptors
pandemic has presented, the International Fund for
receiving specialised care for injuries when COVID-19 hit.
Animal Welfare’s work never stopped. IFAW teams
Within a matter of days, the team’s protocols changed
around the world adapted to a new way of working to
completely as they quickly adjusted to new shutdown
best help animals and support our local communities as
orders and precautions. To minimise the risk of infection
they overcame COVID-19 hardships. Through it all came
and practice social distancing, IFAW’s staff of four divided
incredible stories of triumph and perseverance.
into two different teams, each working 7-day on and
IFAW’s Disaster Response team deployed to the hardest
7-day off shifts to ensure they didn’t cross paths.
hit areas of New South Wales, the Australian Capital
This year was monumental in IFAW’s search to locate
Territory and Victoria in January 2020 to help partners
rescued elephant Nania’s native herd in Burkina
rescue and rehabilitate injured wildlife during the
Faso. Nania is on a specialised rehabilitation journey to
catastrophic bushfires. The team provided hands-on
prepare for life back in the wild, and most recently, dung
support to individuals caring for rescued koalas, wallabies,
samples collected from wild elephants travelling nearby
flying foxes, birds, and kangaroos. IFAW supplied partners
are pushing the team one step closer to finding a DNA
with much-needed items like enclosures, medical supplies
match to her exact family!
and fire gear. USC x IFAW’s koala detection dog, Bear, became a global sensation as he helped locate and rescue koalas injured by the bushfires.
In Quintana Roo, Mexico, IFAW was involved in the first successful rescue, release, and rehabilitation of a jaguar. Struck by a car while trying to cross a
Following the bushfires, IFAW commissioned a report
highway, authorities transported the young jaguar
highlighting the devastating impact of climate change
to the Payo Obispo Zoo, where he embarked on
and bushfires on koalas across New South Wales. The
a specialised rehabilitation plan with help from IFAW’s
results were staggering - at least 6,382 koalas perished in
Dr. Erika Flores and Joaquin de la Torre Ponce. The team
New South Wales. Following the release of the report,
monitored his behavior for three months before deeming
IFAW nominated the koala to be listed as Endangered on
him fully recovered and ready to return to the wild. The
an emergency basis in New South Wales. This followed
day of his release was an incredible moment for everyone
a federal nomination for koalas to be up-listed in
involved.
Queensland, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory.
From the August explosion in Lebanon, to wildfires in California, to Hurricane Delta off Central America, and
Across the ocean, IFAW was part of a team of
now an earthquake in Indonesia, IFAW continues to
experts convened by the US National Oceanic and
respond to disasters by deploying trained and properly
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to perform a first-
equipped rescuers to help animals in distress.
ever emergency medical treatment to a free-swimming right whale calf to help save its life after injury from a
REBECCA KEEBLE / IFAW Oceania Regional Director
likely propeller strike. With only about 350 right whales left in the world, each individual matters for the species’ survival. leonardjoel.com.au | 21
— VALUATIONS —
Why Leonard Joel? Whether you are selling a single precious object or an entire collection, at Leonard Joel we are committed to managing and celebrating your transaction with you expertly and robustly. — • •
We are proud to be Melbourne’s oldest auctioneers
•
trust account and rapid settlement services for
We have a broad audience with over 55,000
eligible collections
active collecting clients •
Our presence is expansive, with offices in Melbourne
•
the professional community
specialist We boast the largest decorative arts and fine jewellery auction marketplaces in Australia •
Our team includes a full-time communications,
We are the only auction house in the country with a devoted valuations department providing services to
and Sydney, and a dedicated Brisbane representative
•
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•
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marketing and photography department •
•
We employ more full-time specialists than any
For all valuation enquiries whether it is for probate,
other auctioneer in Australia
market or insurance please contact:
We offer acknowledged unique expertise in the
CAROLINE TICKNER / Head of Valuations
management of complex and large collections
caroline.tickner@leonardjoel.com.au
22 | leonardjoel.com.au
ABOVE: ANTHONY VANDERZWEEP (born 1960) Clydesdale 2000 Sold for $4,000
— PROFILE —
18ct Gold And Diamond Bracelet. Discovered in Queensland, and sold for $8,750 IBP
NOW CONSIGNING IN SYDNEY AND BRISBANE Leonard Joel conducts valuation days in Sydney every Wednesday from 10am. We also host regular valuation days in Brisbane. Please refer to our website for further information, or contact us at the details below. ENQUIRIES SYDNEY | 02 9362 9045 | sydney@leonardjoel.com.au BRISBANE | Troy McKenzie, Queensland Representative Specialist 0412 997 080 | troy.mckenzie@leonardjoel.com.au
leonardjoel.com.au
leonardjoel.com.au | 23
— PROFILE —
Under The Hammer We were intrigued by this collection of 19th Century wills when it came up for auction in January. Among others, it contained the will of Thomas Bibby Guest (1830–1908), founder of Melbourne steam biscuit factory T.B. Guest & Co., whose painted sign can still be seen on the exterior of what is now an apartment building in West Melbourne. The company eventually merged with Arnott's in 1962 and T.B. Guest & Co. favourites including the Teddy Bear, Marie, TeeVee Snack, and Milk Arrowroot biscuits
A Large Collection Of 19th Century Wills Including Thomas Bibby Guest's (1830 - 1908) Sold for $4,000, The Auction Salon
continued to be produced. The value and historical significance of these documents did not escape our community, with spirited bidding on auction day resulting
T.B. Guest & Co. Advertising Poster,
in a sale of $4,000.
Image: State Library Victoria
Thinking of Selling?
CENTUM NOW CONSIGNING CONTEMPORARY ART FOR MAY AUCTION ENQUIRIES
03 8825 5613 art@leonardjoel.com.au
leonardjoel.com.au 24 | leonardjoel.com.au
BEN QUILTY (born 1973) Smashed II (Self Portrait) 2009 | Sold for $31,250
— PROFILE —
leonardjoel.com.au | 25
— MELBOURNE — PROFILE & SYDNEY — —
P P
ANDREA HUELIN Lustre and Light Fe b r u a r y 4 - 2 7, 2 0 2 1 +61 2 8353 3500 info@michaelreid.com.au michaelreid.com.au 26 | leonardjoel.com.au
Pair Of 18ct Gold, Emerald And Diamond Pendant Earrings | Sold for $27,500
Modern Australian Painting 6 - 27 March
CHARLES NODRUM GALLERY 267 Church St 03 9427 0140
Richmond
Melbourne Vi c t or i a 3121 g a l l e r y @ charl e sno dr umg a l l e r y.com .au
Charles Blackman, The Transparent Table, 1965, oil on canvas, 183.5 x 142.5cm
leonardjoel.com.au | 27
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28 | leonardjoel.com.au
Contact a Leonard Joel team member or stop by a saleroom if you have any questions.
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Value / Sell / Buy Contact a Leonard Joel Specialist MANAGING DIRECTOR & PROPRIETOR John Albrecht 03 8825 5619 | john.albrecht@leonardjoel.com.au
Auction Specialists — PRIVATE COLLECTIONS John Albrecht, Head of Department 03 8825 5619 | john.albrecht@leonardjoel.com.au IMPORTANT JEWELS Hamish Sharma, Head of Department, Sydney 02 9362 9045 | hamish.sharma@leonardjoel.com.au FINE JEWELS & TIMEPIECES Bethany McGougan, Head of Department 03 8825 5618 | bethany.mcgougan@leonardjoel.com.au FINE ART Olivia Fuller, Head of Department 03 8825 5624 | olivia.fuller@leonardjoel.com.au DECORATIVE ARTS Chiara Curcio, Head of Department 03 8825 5635 | chiara.curcio@leonardjoel.com.au MODERN DESIGN Anna Grassham, Head of Department 03 8825 5637 | anna.grassham@leonardjoel.com.au LUXURY John D'Agata 03 8825 5605 | john.dagata@leonardjoel.com.au PRINTS & MULTIPLES Hannah Ryan 03 8825 5630 | hannah.ryan@leonardjoel.com.au QUEENSLAND REPRESENTATIVE SPECIALIST Troy McKenzie 0412 997 080 | troy.mckenzie@leonardjoel.com.au
The Auction Salon Specialists — ART Hannah Ryan 03 8825 5630 | hannah.ryan@leonardjoel.com.au FURNITURE Nick Bastiras 03 8825 5640 | furniture@leonardjoel.com.au JEWELLERY Maria Walker 03 8825 5621 | maria.walker@leonardjoel.com.au OBJECTS & COLLECTABLES Rebecca Stormont 03 8825 5655 | objects.manager@leonardjoel.com.au
Valuations — Caroline Tickner, Head of Department 03 8825 5638 | caroline.tickner@leonardjoel.com.au
Marketing & Communications — Blanka Nemeth, Manager 03 8825 5620 | blanka.nemeth@leonardjoel.com.au Maria Rossi, Graphic Artist Adam Obradovic, Photographer Henry Murphy, 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
RIGHT: PLATINUM, SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND 'TROMBINO' RING, BULGARI Sold for $125,000
This document has been produced to international environmental management standard ISO14001 by a certified green printing company.
— PROFILE —
30 | leonardjoel.com.au
