LEONARD, issue 40, June 2015

Issue FORTY / JUNE 2015

Jewellery Specialists

Royal Worcester of the Finest Quality

SOULFUL COLLECTING 67 YEARS OF DEDICATION

MELBOURNE / SYDNEY

ArchitecturE & Exteriors THE lost WALTER WITHERS

THE UNUSUAL

Highlights from the Autumn Sydney Auction

Is that a diamond in the rough?

Remodelling your auction finds

FINE ART

& JEWELS

Leonard is published 10 times a year by Leonard Joel. If you have any questions regarding Leonard please contact 03 9826 4333

leonardjoel.com.au

Cover Fine Art Auction Tuesday 23 June at 6.30pm 34 WALTER WITHERS (1854-1914) The Trysting Place c.1891 oil on canvas 61.5 x 30.5 cm $120,000 - 180,000

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

MAY WE INTRODUCE OURSELVES Whether you have a single item, a focused collection or a complete house contents Leonard Joel has a team of specialists that can help you identify, value and market your property with a genuine focus on very tailored and personalised selling solutions. Robert Williams of our Sydney office, a specialist valuer in his own right, can also arrange meetings with our specialists either at our rooms in Woollahra or your home or office.

Leonard Joel Specialists

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Jewellery & Pre–Owned Luxury

Art

Classic furniture & Objects

NATIONAL HEAD OF collections

John D’Agata, National Head of Jewellery

Sophie Ullin, Head of Art

single owner COLLECTIONS

John Albrecht, Managing Director

& Sydney Office

Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5609

Guy Cairnduff, Head of Classic Furniture & Objects

& Head of Collections

Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5605

Email sophie.ullin@leonardjoel.com.au

& Head of The Specialist Collector

Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5619

Email john.dagata@leonardjoel.com.au

Phone +61 (0) 3 8825 5611 Email guy.cairnduff@leonardjoel.com.au

Email john.albrecht@leonardjoel.com.au

Specialist Jewels & Objets D’Art

MODERN DESIGN

BOOKS & MANUSCRIPTS

JEWELLERY

& Single Owner Collections

Anna Grassham, Specialist, Modern Design

Chiara Curcio, Specialist, Classic Furniture

Robert Haigh, Manager, Senior Jewellery Specialist

Robert Williams, Sydney Representative

Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5637

& Objects, Books and Manuscripts

Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5618

Phone + 61 (0) 2 9362 9045

Email anna.grassham@leonardjoel.com.au

Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5635

Email robert.haigh@leonardjoel.com.au

Email chiara.curcio@leonardjoel.com.au

Email robert.williams@leonardjoel.com.au

CollectIbles

ACCOUNTS

COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING

Photography

Designer

Tae Schmeisser

Susan Saunders, Head of Finance & Administration

Katarina Ljahovic

Rick Merrie

Maria Rossi

Specialist Vintage Toys/Monthly Toys

Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5603

Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5620

Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5625

Email susan.saunders@leonardjoel.com.au

Email katarina.ljahovic@leonardjoel.com.au

Email tae.schmeisser@leonardjoel.com.au

MELBOURNE

SYDNEY

Primary Salerooms

By Appointment

333 Malvern Road,

39 Queen Street,

South Yarra, Victoria 3141

Woollahra, New South Wales 2025

Australia

Australia

Tel: +61 (0) 3 9826 4333

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Fax: +61 (0) 3 9826 4544

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Event Partner

M ARGARET RIVER

Leonard Joel is a proud supporter of Arts Project Australia

COnTenTs

Where cAN i FiND LeONArD?

JunE contEnts the uNuSuAL FOreWOrD NeWS cALeNDAr JeWeLS JeWeLLerY SPeciALiStS FiNe Art the LOSt WALter WitherS rOYAL WOrceSter & the FiNeSt QuALitY LeONArD JOeL SYDNeY cLASSic FurNiture & OBJectS reSuLtS the MArK LiSSAuer cOLLectiON reSuLtS MODerN DeSiGN reMODeLLiNG viNtAGe iNteriOrS DreWeAttS & BLOOMSBurY

If you have enjoyed Leonard and would like to stay up to date with our auctions and events you can collect a copy from our South Yarra and Woollahra offices at the start of every month. But don’t delay as copies run out quickly!

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LEoNArD

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THE UNUSUAL

THE UNUSUAL John Albrecht highlights unusual pieces sold at The Jewels & Objets D’art Auction which was held on SUNDAY 24 MAY IN SYDNEY

A PAIR OF PORCELAIN WATER DROPPERS, SONG DYNASTY

SOLD $1,952 IBP A CHINESE STONE LANDSCAPE DECORATION

SOLD $793 IBP

A FINE AND RARE LLADRO PORCELAIN FIGURE DECORATED WITH GOLD, SILVER, DIAMONDS AND SAPPHIRES

A LARGE CHINESE WHITE STONE SCHOLARS ROCK

SOLD $3,416 IBP

SOLD $5,856 IBP

A GLASS SNUFF BOTTLE WITH ARTIST SIGNATURE

SOLD $976 IBP

A GILDED WOODEN AVALOKITESVARA STATUE

SOLD $4,392 IBP

A FINE LATE 19TH CENTURY AUSTRIAN SILVER GILT AND ENAMEL NEF, BY KARL BANK VIENNA, CIRCA 1900

A RARE COALPORT SIMULATED AGATE SPECIMEN VASE, CIRCA 1900

AN OPAL AND DIAMOND BROOCH

BY GRIMA

SOLD $1,159 IBP

SOLD $3,660 IBP

SOLD $4,636 IBP

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LEONARD

FOReWord

Soulful Collecting

As I write, the morning after the historic rounding one’s self with history, regions and become a curious scuba-diving destination millions. What is relevant is the fact that this dispersal of the Mark Lissauer collection of memories rather than simply decoration or and that was it. Eventually the local dive club rusted metal assemblage engaged with the artefacts, I’m reflecting on the difference single items to impress people with at a din- took an interest in the wreck. Quite literally minds and hearts of collectors that loved the between merely acquiring as opposed to col- ner party! The example of soulful collecting half of the car had rusted away with ele- story, the history and the memories that this lecting. Acquiring to me has a remote and however that truly captivated me involved a ments of the body and machinery still intact Bugatti held. This to me is what collecting is investment-minded logic behind it while category I know little about – automobiles. but still resembling a vehicle – the soul of the all about; deeply personal, memory-driven collecting to me is soulful and thought- In recent years an old story about a Bugatti piece however was untouched. The Bugatti and somewhat mystical. ful. While I only briefly met Mark Lissauer that was dumped in a European lake at a cus- “wreck” was finally brought to a stable state twice I was lucky enough to visit his home toms point in the first half of the twentieth and then offered at international auction; not that represented 67 years of learned, pas- century (when taxes could not be paid) came restored but rather as it was at the bottom of sionate and unpretentious collecting. This to life when it was hauled from the bottom the lake. The price it realised is not relevant to me was what collecting was all about; sur- of its resting place. For many decades it had to this story but suffice to say it was in the

John Albrecht MANAGING DIRECTOR & NATIONAL HEAD OF COLLECTIONS

LEONARD

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news

ANGUS O’CALLAGHAN

MELBOURNE THE BOOK

Melbourne, as never seen before. photographs from 1968-1971

SUPPORT AND PRE-ORDER ON KICKSTARTER!

www.bitly.com/ocallaghan

THE RICHARd dAWsoN CollECTIoN A single owner collection of vintage toys, including Dinky, Corgi, Hornby Dublo and Wrenn

AuctiON WeDNeSDAY 12 AuGuSt At 12PM AeSt

the richard Dawson collection Wednesday 12 August 2015 at 12pm

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Melbourne viewing saturday 8 August 10am-5pm Monday 10 August 10am-5pm tuesday 11 August 10am-5pm Wednesday 12 August 9am-11.30am

enquiries: Bethany McGougan Auction Manager & Collectibles specialist 03 8825 5625 bethany.mcgougan@leonardjoel.com.au

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246 A Bassett-Lowke ‘O’ Gauge Compound Loco and Tender, LMS Crimson Lake No. 1082 $600-800

LEoNArD

Calendar

MONTHLY TOYS

Forthcoming Auctions

AUCTION Thursday 11 JUNE at 12Pm

The Vintage Interiors Auction Every Thursday Furniture & Interiors – 10am Jewellery & Wristwatches – 10.30am Art – 11.30am Books – 12pm Objects & Collectibles – 12pm

BID LIVE ONLINE

333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

Monthly Toy Auction

RARE CORGI 468 LONDON TRANSPORT ROUTEMASTER BUS $1000 - $2000

Thursday 11th June 2015 – 12pm 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

June’s monthly Toy sale celebrates vintage collectable toys from across the globe. Diecast models from England (Dinky, Corgi, Matchbox), Italy (Mercury),

Fine Jewellery Auction

France (French Dinky) and Australia (Micro Models) are on offer to the avid

Monday 22nd June 2015 – 6pm

collector. Also under the hammer are Hornby and Marklin train stock, as well

333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

as clockwork tinplate pieces from Germany (Lehmann DUO 722 rooster and

Fine Art Auction

rabbit), and Japan (Bandai friction powered Mercedes Benz 300SL coupé).

Tuesday 23rd June 2015 – 6.30pm

Enquiries Tae Schmeisser Collectibles Consultant 03 8825 5625 | tae.schmeisser@leonardjoel.com.au

333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

Monthly Toy Auction Thursday 16th July 2015 – 12pm 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

PETITE CONTEMPORARY ART

Petite Contemporary Art Auction Thursday 30th July 2015 – 2pm 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

The Richard Dawson Collection Wednesday 12th August 2015 – 12pm 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

AUCTION THURSDAY 30 JULY at 2PM

Jewels & Objets D’Art Auction Sunday 16th August 2015 – 1pm InterContinental 33 Cross St, Double Bay, Sydney, NSW

SINGLE OWNER AUCTION

SYDNEY AUCTION

Specialist Prints Auction Thursday 27th August 2015 – 11.30am 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

Modern Design Auction Thursday 27th August 2015 – 6.30am 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

DAVID BAND Cup on Red Background monotype, 94 X 75cm $1,000 - 2,000

Enquiries Olivia Fuller, Art Specialist (03) 8825 5624 | olivia.fuller@leonardjoel.com.au Auctions and viewing times are subject to change.

Maggie Skelton, Manager, Vintage Interiors Art (03) 8825 5630 | maggie.skelton@leonardjoel.com.au

LEONARD

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JEWELS

142 A GOLD AND DIAMOND BROOCH

BY TIFFANY & CO. $800 - 1,200

225 AN IMPORTANT DIAMOND RING The oval cut diamond of 5.01cts, flanked by two princess cut diamonds totalling 1.40cts, mounted in 18ct white gold, ring size H-I, principal diamond accompanied by a GIA certificate stating colour G, clarity SI1. $200,000 - 260,000

176 A PRASIOLITE AND DIAMOND COCKTAIL RING BY BVLGARI $3,600 - 5,000

Jewels 215 AN IMPRESSIVE FANCY INTENSE YELLOW DIAMOND NECKLACE Comprising ninety-three claw set graduated oval cut diamonds totalling 49.90cts, mounted in 18ct gold, total length 420mm. $160,000 - 200,000

Jewels Auction Melbourne Monday 22 June 2015 at 6pm Viewing in Sydney & Melbourne

JUNE

Melbourne Viewing 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra VIC Wednesday 17 June 9am-8pm Thursday 18 June 10am-4pm Friday 19 June 10am-4pm Saturday 20 June 10am-5pm Sunday 21 June 10am-5pm

Sydney Viewing 39 Queen Street, Woollahra NSW Friday 12 June 10am-4pm Saturday 13 June 10am-4pm Sunday 14 June 10am-4pm

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Enquiries Robert Haigh, Manager, Senior Jewellery Specialist (03) 8825 5618 robert.haigh@leonardjoel.com.au

LEONARD

JEWELLERY SPECIALISTS

Jewellery Specialists JOHN D’AGATA NATIONAL HEAD OF JEWELLERY & SYDNEY OFFICE After 10 years with the established Melbourne jewellers Kozminsky as Executive Manager of both their jewellery and art departments, John now runs the largest specialist jewellery auction department in Australia. As Head of Jewellery at Leonard Joel, John manages and overseas the identification, valuing and dispersal of more than 15,000 jewellery items annually and is uniquely placed to manage both significant jewellery collections and single items. Since his appointment in 2007 his passion for jewellery has helped him transform the department into the success that it is today. In 2013 John was appointed Head of the Sydney Office. Under his leadership, the Jewels & Objets D’Art category was created in 2014. With a focus on single owner collections, these auctions immediately became popular with Sydney collectors and has since provided them with access to the rich selection of items on offer by Leonard Joel.

Enquiries (03) 8825 5605 | (02) 9362 9045 john.dagata@leonardjoel.com.au

ROBERT HAIGH MANAGER, SENIOR JEWELLERY SPECIALIST Robert joined Leonard Joel as a junior in 2004 and in 2008 Robert joined the jewellery department.

A qualified Gemologist, he is also a Diamond Technician and an Advanced Diamond Grader as well as a Registered Valuer. Robert conducts all market valuations for the department as well as curating auctions and is an elite auctioneer. He currently manages the Interiors & Jewellery auctions, which includes the identification, valuing and dispersal of more than 15,000 jewellery items annually.

Enquiries (03) 8825 5618 | 0439 493 038 robert.haigh@leonardjoel.com.au

Caroline Tickner fine jewellery, insurance Caroline has been professionally involved in both Australian and International auction houses for over fifteen years, and has worked in the jewellery industry for over ten years. She has also been a keen jewellery collector for over twenty five years. Caroline’s association with Leonard Joel has been a long one. She started in 2000 and became manager of the jewellery department from 2002-2006 and then worked on a part time basis until 2009. Recently she has taken some time off to look after her family. Caroline is thrilled to be returning to Leonard Joel as a consultant valuer of Fine Jewellery for Insurance and Matrimonial purposes. Caroline has been consulting to various organisations as a valuer over the past few years and looks forward to reacquainting herself with many old and new Leonard Joel clients.

Enquiries (03) 8825 5636 caroline.tickner@leonardjoel.com.au

LEONARD

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ART

FINE ART

71 JAMES FARDOULYS (1900-1975) My Cat Doula 1966 oil on board 38 x 48cm $ 8,000 - 10,000

Fine Art Auction Tuesday 23 June 2015, 6.30pm

JUNE

Melbourne Viewing 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra VIC Wednesday 17 June 9am-8pm Thursday 18 June 10am-4pm

Friday 19 June 10am-4pm Saturday 20 June 10am-5pm Sunday 21 June 10am-5pm

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Enquiries Sophie Ullin, Head of Art (03) 8825 5609 sophie.ullin@leonardjoel.com.au

LEONARD

FINE ART

19 DAVID BOYD (1924-2011) The Visitor (Europa) 2001 oil on canvas 110 x 110cm $18,000 - 28,000

47 SIDNEY NOLAN (1917-1992) Kelly and Horse c.1960 oil on paper 24 x 28cm $20,000 - 30,000

24 Attrib. FREDERICK BUCK (1771-1839) Portrait of William Cox (1764-1837) miniature 9 x 6.5cm $8,000 - 12,000

JUNE ART HIGHLIGHTS

77 ALBERT NAMATJIRA (1902-1959) Central Australian Bluff watercolour 22.5 x 38cm $12,000 - 18,000

LEONARD

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THE LOST WALTER WITHERS

the lost WAL SYDNEY VIEWING OF THE TRYSTING PLACE 13 & 14 June 10am - 4pm ‘Charterisville was one of the most beautiful Estates on the Banks of the Yarra […] an avenue of poplars overshadowing a grassy glade, makes me think of the pleached walks of the romantic days when brave knights wooed fair ladies amidst the shade of stately trees.’ 2 Fanny Withers

Envelope inscribed with painting details

34 WALTER WITHERS (1854-1914) The Trysting Place c.1891 oil on canvas 61.5 x 30.5 cm stamped verso (on canvas): PREPARED BY WINSOR & NEWTON/ LIMITED/ 38 RATHBONE PLACE, LONDON, W.1 accompanied by a contemporary envelope inscribed: Small/ Landscape/ The Trysting Place -/

by Walter Withers/ value guineas 20 inscribed verso on stretcher, in pencil: ‘Fink’, and framing instructions $120,000 - 180,000

Fine Art Auction Tuesday 23 June 2015, 6.30pm

JUNE

Special Sydney Viewing 39 Queen Street, Woollahra NSW Saturday 13 June 10am-4pm Sunday 14 June 10am-4pm

Melbourne Viewing 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra VIC Wednesday 17 June 9am-8pm Thursday 18 June 10am-4pm Friday 19 June 10am-4pm Saturday 20 June 10am-5pm Sunday 21 June 10am-5pm

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Enquiries Sophie Ullin, Head of Art (03) 8825 5609 sophie.ullin@leonardjoel.com.au

LEONARD

THE LOST WALTER WITHERS

LTER WITHERS Property formerly in the collection of MR. THEODORE FINK

If one was to judge the art of Walter Withers exclusively on his rare works dating to the early 1890s, his place in Australian art history would surely rival that of Arthur Streeton, Tom Roberts and Frederick McCubbin. Unfortunately, his innumerable post-Federation paintings – agitated and weighty in construction, nostalgic and monotonous in content – have cast a long shadow over his earlier exciting imagery.

This ‘blue, gold and pink’ phase is distinguished by a circumscribed number of successfully striking paintings – compositions noted for their high keyed palette, atmospheric clarity and dynamic compositions. Examples include The Fossickers 1893 (National Gallery of Australia, Canberra), and Tranquil Winter 1895 (National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne).3 The English-born émigré learned drawing in the rigorously traditional curriculum of London’s Royal Academy. This education was re-enforced in the classes of WilliamAdolphe Bouguereau and Tony-Robert Fleury at the Académie Julien in Paris in 1887. Despite this traditional formation, Withers’ pre-disposition as a colourist and naturalist blossomed following his French sojourn. The lessons of the out-of-door avant-garde left their mark, and he is widely considered as the most Impressionist of all the Heidelberg School painters.4 Indeed, living in Paris meant he was one of the few Australian artists of his generation to be acquainted, vis-à-vis, with the contemporary plein-airism of Anton Mauve and Claude Monet – inspirations he would carry with him on his return to Melbourne.

Back in Australia by 1888, Withers joined Roberts, Streeton, and David Davies at the artists’ camp in Eaglemont. He was affectionately nicknamed the ‘Orderly Colonel’ due to his obsession with keeping everything in the house and gardens tidy. Frederick McCubbin recalled how Withers’ sense of order also permeated his art: ‘Everything is natural and in its place, as though the Artist has come upon some quiet, commonplace spot, and magician-like revealed to you and me its tender beauty.’5 This is certainly the feeling one has when setting eyes on the current work.

Of course, the compositional tradition of a female figure, at once hidden under trees and bathing in dappled sunlight, was a common trope amongst French Impressionists and Heidelberg School artists alike. Examples include Monet’s The Stroller 1887 (Metropolitan Museum, New York), McCubbin’s Lost 1886 (National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne), and Theodore Robinson’s La Vachère 1888 (Baltimore Museum of Art). Withers’ studio neighbour Ugo Catani, also produced a work on a related theme in Lover’s Walk, Mount Macedon 1890 (National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne). There is also an echo of Tom Roberts’ A Summer Morning Tiff 1886 (Ballarat Fine Art Gallery). We know that Roberts’ painting inspired Alice Brotherton to write the poem Under the Saplings. Possibly more an interesting coincidence than a direct quotation, it is nevertheless worth reproducing the closing lines:6 And a penitent lover Will coo-ee once more from the trysting place And the blue gum boughs in that possible case Will serve as a screen for her blushing face As she passes under.

The title certainly suggests narrative drama, however, Withers is much more concerned with the treatment of light, composition and colour than with telling a story. Although the female figure and Guernsey cattle are placed at the centre of the composition, all the action and excitement of nature surrounds them. They are poised at the intersection between the domesticated pastures and wild boscage: the dense cascade of branches elms, poplars, white manna gums and hawthorn bushes are painted with complimentary, energetic and interwoven brushstrokes.

The dry yellow and pink sun-bleached grassy slope testament to the preceding long hot summer; the warm tones of orange, yellow and red in the trees anticipating the cooler months to follow.

LEONARD

Painted shortly after having settled into Charterisville Estate, the current work was first shown in Withers’ Studio Exhibition in May 1891. Opened by Lady Janet Clarke, a patron of Withers’ work, the exhibition was well received by contemporary commentators. Sidney Dickinson, a visiting American art critic, reviewed the collection of new works. His write-up on Withers’ showing is often cited as the first written record of the naming of the ‘Heidelberg School’. Besides this historical fact, Dickinson’s essay reveals how he saw Withers’ works as ‘the most satisfactory exposition of his abilities that has ever been made by this sincere and painstaking artist.’7 He then singled out The Trysting Place for its superiority: ‘the variegated hues of the American autumn [cannot surpass] the tints of the ripened Eucalyptus as seen in the capital picture of The Trysting Place.’8 Table Talk described the work as ‘thoroughly Australian and full of feeling […] the work of a man who has studied Australian scenery with no hasty methods, but with the slow and preserving observation of one who notes a change of effect in every day of the year.’9 The Argus recorded The Trysting Place as ‘a pretty bit of bush scenery, sunny and summer like, with a young girl listening for the sound of a coming footstep.’10 The Herald also included a description which positively identifies the current work: ‘The Trysting Place is a smaller work, but very pleasant. A girl in a summer garb is waiting at a fence on the river bank. Behind is a pretty bit of open green, where cattle feed. The river is tolerable at Heidelberg, otherwise the young man might justly be thought rude for keeping the lady waiting.’ 11 The provenance of the current work is exceptional, having been in the collection of Mr. Theodore Fink, Chairman of The Herald and The Sun newspapers. Fink, a wellknown patron of the Heidelberg artists, probably purchased the current work on the occasion of the 1891 National Gallery of Victoria’s Exhibition of the Works of Victorian Artists.12 The painting remained with Fink until his death in 1945, and has remained with the descendants since.

Lost to art history for over a century, this is the first time The Trysting Place is being publically viewed and offered for sale. It is certainly one of the more charming and striking discoveries in recent memory, and will no doubt go some length toward consolidating Walter Withers’ place as a talented figure in the Heidelberg School movement.

PETRIT ABAZI SENIOR RESEARCHER & ART SPECIALIST

1 Walter Withers purchased his supplies from Thos. Whitelaw & Co. in Flinders Street where he insisted upon using Winsor & Newton materials. See Withers, F., ‘A Short Biography of Walter Withers’ (manuscript circa 1919), reproduced in McKenzie, A. (ed.), Walter Withers: The Forgotten Manuscripts, Mannagum Press, Melbourne, 1987, p. 116 2 Withers, F. in Mackenzie, A. (ed.), Famous Australian Art: Walter Withers 1854-1913, Mallard Press, Brisbane, 1989, pp. 28-30 3 Theodore Fink is known to have owned one of the four known paintings of gold fossickers painted in Creswick in 1893. See Withers, F. in The Art and Life of Walter Withers, Australian Art Books, Alexander McCubbin Publisher, Melbourne, c.1920, p.19 4 Although fourteen years had passed since the first Impressionist exhibition in Paris, the school was still very much the avant-guarde in Australia’s art historical time-line.

5 Frederick McCubbin on the art of Walter Withers, circa 1915, reproduced in Mackenzie, A., Famous Australian Art: Walter Withers 1854-1913, Mallard Press, Brisbane, 1989, p.1 6 Roberts, Brotherton and Withers were close associates and all three were members of the Buonarotti Club. Furthermore, it was common for artists to take titles from literature.

Streeton’s title for Still Glides the Stream and Shall Forever Glide 1890, also painted at Charterisville, was taken from a sonnet by William Wordsworth.

7 Dickinson, S., ‘Two Exhibitions of Paintings’, Australasian Critic, Melbourne, 1 July 1891, p. 240.

8 Ibid.

9 ‘Art and Artists: Mr Walter Withers’, Table Talk, Melbourne, 22 May 1891, p. 4.

10 ‘Mr Wither’s collection of paintings’, The Age, Melbourne, 14 May 1891, p. 7.

11 The Herald, Melbourne, 13 May 1891.

12 The price of 21 guineas on the envelope accompanying the work, matches the price at which it was offered in 1891. See Exhibition of the Works of Victorian Artists, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, November 1891, no. 9, p. 1

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ROYAL WORCESTER OF THE FINEST QUALITY

Royal Worcester of the Finest Quality

410 A FINE ROYAL WORCESTER JEWELLED ‘GEORGE OWEN’ RETICULATED PORCELAIN TEAPOT AND COVER, DATED 1876

SOLD $9,760 IBP

398 AN IMPORTANT ROYAL WORCESTER ‘WINDSOR CASTLE’ PORCELAIN VASE AND COVER BY HARRY DAVIS, DATED 1904

403 A FINE PAIR OF ROYAL WORCESTER ‘STORK’ PORCELAIN VASES BY WALTER POWELL, DATED 1909-1910

SOLD $20,740 IBP

SOLD $9,150 IBP

407 A VERY RARE SET OF FLAVELLE BROTHERS ‘AUSTRALIAN BIRDS’ ROYAL WORCESTER PORCELAIN COFFEE CUPS AND SAUCERS,

BY REGINALD AUSTIN, DATED 1914

SOLD $15,860 IBP

Leonard Joel, Sydney had a stellar result at its May 24th auction with its presentation of fine Royal Worcester porcelain, a culmination of two generations of astute collecting. Within the offering was an important Royal Worcester, ‘Windsor Castle’ porcelain vase and cover, painted by Harry Davis

in 1904 (lot 398). It offered a particularly fine example revealing Davis’ artistic talent for detailed, misty landscapes, with great depth of field. Accordingly the bidding for this piece was competitive, finally selling for $20,740 IBP to an astute, young and determined Australian collector. The same collector was also

successful with lot 407, a very rare set of Royal Worcester ‘Australian Birds’ coffee cups and saucers painted by Reginald Austin, for the Flavelle Brothers. Spirited bidding saw it sell for a record price of $15,860 IBP.

Enquiries Robert Williams Specialist Jewels & Objets D’Art & Single Owner Collections 02 9362 9045 robert.williams@leonardjoel.com.au

Now consigning for JEWELS & OBJETS D’ART AUCTION 16 AUGUST

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LEONARD

LEONARD JOEL SYDNEY

An Auction of Several Private Collections Leonard Joel Sydney was pleased to present four distinct private collections that showcased fine examples from the homes of discerning and learned collectors.

The Siegfried Hearst Collection Fine Asian Art 151 A GILT BRONZE SIX ARMS BULMO BUDDHA, QING DYNASTY

SOLD $31,720 IBP

The CHRIS JOHNSON Collection Asian & INDIAN Art 329 A GROUP OF OLD CHINESE BOOKS

SOLD $3,904 IBP

The Siegfried Hearst Collection Fine EUROPEAN DECORATIVE ARTS 386 ITALIAN SCHOOL, ‘MADONNA AND CHILD’ FOLLOWER OF JACOBELLO, 14TH/15TH CENTURY

SOLD $10,980 IBP

The COLLECTION OF A LADY Royal Worcester Porcelain Ceramics, Enamel and Furniture 404 A ROYAL WORCESTER CRANE PORCELAIN VASE AND COVER BY WALTER POWELL, DATED 1908

SOLD $6,100 IBP

LEONARD

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CLASSIC FURNITURE & OBJECTS RESULTS

Industrial Artisans

40 A MUSEUM QUALITY WORKING SCALE MODEL OF A BEAM ENGINE ENGLISH, CIRCA 1940S

SOLD $46,360 IBP

Between the 19th and first half of the 20th century the English, the Americans and the Europeans took precision, metalwork, education and modelling to new heights in the various schools and societies that built miniature working steam and electrical models. These models, designed not only to educate

but also showcase the capacity of these industrialised regions, became works of art in themselves and would regularly be exhibited at competitive fairs and international gatherings of like-minded engineers and businesses. At our Classic Furniture and Objects auction on Saturday we were honoured to offer

just such a museum quality piece. Lot 40, a beam engine scale model by R. A. Barker of Sheffield and a medal winner for his models in his own right, realised more than seven times its estimate to sell for a staggering $46,360 (IBP).

Enquiries: Guy Cairnduff Head of Classic Furniture & Objects 03 8825 5611 / 0407 828 137 guy.cairnduff@leonardjoel.com.au

Now consigning for Classic furniture & objects AUCTION 25 october

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LEONARD

CLASSIC FURNITURE & OBJECTS RESULTS

Chinoiserie Chic The fifteen years between 1750 and 1765 marked the height of this extraordinarily lavish and exotic decoration that intoxicated European and English furniture designers. The influences and style of this period lives on and contemporary interpretations have found their way in to modern living. At our auction on Saturday, lot 10, an elegant cabinet on stand in olive tones, blitzed its estimate to sell for $11,590 (IBP)

Strings Attached Leonard Joel’s commitment to new collectors continued with our second Musical Instruments auction. A mix of mainly stringed instruments was on offer with the highlight, lot 307 a 1953 Fender Telecaster, selling for $18,300 (IBP). If you have a new collecting category that interests you contact Leonard Joel and we’ll explore your interest with you.

Enquiries Sasa Mitic, Manager, Objects & Books (03) 8825 5604 | sasa.mitic@leonardjoel.com.au

SPECIALIST VALUATION EVENING ASIAN WORKS OF ART - Appraisals for auction Wednesday 15th July, 5pm-8pm To Book a confidential appraisal contact: asianart@leonardjoel.com.au Phone: (03) 8825 5635 | Location: The Client Room, Leonard Joel

LEONARD

15

JUNE

THE MARK LISSAUER COLLECTION RESULTS

67 Years

of Collecting On Sunday on the last day of May on a rainy Melbourne day 67 years of very private but deliberate collecting went under the hammer when the reclusive 91 year old Mark Lissauer entrusted Leonard Joel with the dispersal of his entire collection of Oceanic, Tribal and Asian artefacts. With well over 800 lots on offer attendees at the auction could be forgiven for thinking that they had entered a treasure laden room from the colonial period but in reality what they enjoyed was the result of passionate and educated collecting that found its base in Melbourne. The auction was carefully curated by Chiara Curcio and divided in to six distinct collecting regions; Himalayan & Southeast Asian, Japanese, Indian & Islamic, Chinese, Indonesian & Malaysian and Oceanic & Tribal defined both the catalogue and the story of Mark Lissauer’s collecting.

Here we highlight an auction result from each region. Himalayan & Southeast Asian: lot 1016, a striking silver and brass Phurba realised more than six times its estimate to sell for $3904 (IBP).

Of the Japanese items on offer and

although only modestly priced, lot 1221 an elegant bronze figure of a Noh actor, sold for $610 (IBP). Indian & Islamic: lot 1263, a 19th century bronze Sri Lankan reliquary stupa sold for more than eight times above its estimate for $3416 (IBP). Chinese: lot 1487, a beautifully embroidered Suzhou realised more than three times its estimate to sell for $4636 (IBP). Indonesian & Malaysian: lot 1572, a rather haunting Kalimantan Dayak ancestor figure sold for five times its estimate for $2928 (IBP). The Oceanic & Tribal section, the last offering within the catalogue, was eagerly attended by avid tribal collectors keen to secure the Lissauer provenance. Lot 1674, a Mendi Southern Highlands fighting shield enjoyed one of the most spirited bidding moments when it sold for more than ten times its estimate for $4148 (IBP). The striking triangular motifs with well preserved red and white painting made it one of the more desirable lots of the auction. And late in the sale, lot 1844, a strikingly simple 19th century Maori Patu Onewa in basalt realised $6710 (IBP) or double its low estimate.

Enquiries: Chiara Curcio Classic Furniture & Objects Specialist / Books & Manuscripts (03) 8825 5635 chiara.curcio@leonardjoel.com.au

1016 A FINELY DETAILED SILVER & BRASS PHURBA

1844 A 19TH CENTURY MAORI PATU ONEWA

SOLD $3,904 IBP

SOLD $6,710 IBP

C h i na - J apan - Ind o ne s i a - Ind i a - T i be t - M elane s i a - P o lyne s i a

JUNE

16

LEONARD

THE MARK LISSAUER COLLECTION RESULTS

1572 A KALIMANTAN DAYAK ANCESTOR FIGURE

SOLD $2,928 IBP

1674 A MENDI, SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS FIGHTING SHIELD, TIGIRI VILLAGE, PNG

SOLD $4,148 IBP 1221 A BRONZE FIGURE, NOH ACTOR

SOLD $610 IBP

1487 A LARGE FRAMED SUZHOU EMBROIDERY

SOLD $1,708 IBP

LEONARD

17

JUNE

MODERN DESIGN

WANTED FOR AUCTION

MODERN DESIGN Sourcing international and local designer pieces

A CHARLES AND RAY EAMES 670 LOUNGE CHAIR AND 671 OTTOMAN

SOLD $8,540 IBP

Enquiries Anna Grassham, Modern Design Specialist (03) 8825 5637 | 0478 114 611 anna.grassham@leonardjoel.com.au

Arne Jacobsen | Fritz Hansen | Hans Wegner | Charles & Ray Eames | Poltronova | Vico Magistretti | B&B Italia | Le Corbusier | Tobia & Afra Scarpa | Joe Columbo | Gio Ponti | Kartell | Alvar Aalto | Percival Lafer | Schulim Krimper | Rosando Bros | Clement Meadmore | Grant Featherston and more!

Now consigning for MODERN DESIGN AUCTION 27 AUGUST

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LEONARD

REMODELLING

Is that a diamond in the rough?

Consider remodelling your auction finds

REMODELLING One of the delights of buying jewellery at auction is the opportunity it provides to give new life to a piece and add your own chapter to its fascinating story.

When viewing jewellery prior to auction you will see high quality items that are rejected as not to your taste but consider for a moment whether any could be modified or the high quality materials used to manufacture a new piece?

It may be as simple as acquiring a brilliant gem and modifying the setting to create your own special piece for you or your partner ‘to have and to hold’.

A high quality gem in a modified setting may become a one of a kind piece.

Remodelling jewellery can be far more rewarding and economical than just going out and buying a retail ready-made piece. The enjoyment you will get from acquiring rare gem stones and laying your own personal design stamp on a special piece for you or your partner to treasure will begin a memorable story for family and friends to remember, as the piece continues through the years.

It may be that you find that perfect rare gem in a piece that is out of fashion. It

may be as simple as remodelling a ring or you may want to have a complex bespoke piece manufactured. Whatever you decide, you will be creating your ideal piece for a wonderful occasion in life or just indulging your love of fine jewellery, often at a fraction of the retail price.

When considering gems it’s important to identify the type of gem, its quality and whether it has undergone any treatments. Some treatments are acceptable, such as heating a sapphire but some are unacceptable, such as glass-filling a ruby.

All unaccepted treatments must be fully disclosed. We would encourage you to always talk with our trained gemologists who can advise on the quality and rarity of the gems you are considering.

Our qualified Jewellery Team which includes diamond graders, registered valuers and gemologists will take you through every step of the auction process and help you acquire the perfect piece for your collection.

ROBERT HAIGH MANAGER, SENIOR JEWELLERY SPECIALIST

100 AN ART DECO AQUAMARINE AND DIAMOND RING $12,000 -18,000

LEONARD

19

JUNE

VINTAGE INTERIORS

V I N T A G E I N T E RIORS

Architectural & Exteriors AUCTION Thursday 25 JUNE at 10AM Leonard Joel will be presenting an Architectural and Exteriors auction as part of Furniture’s Vintage Interiors sale. A variety of fixtures will be on offer including composite stone, cast iron fountains, plaster and ceramics spanning various continents.

Highlights include an impressive pair of composite stone lion figures, Sri Lankan sanctuary figures, and rare classical plaster reliefs. External furnishings will include Moroccan mosaic table tops, terracotta and ceramic urns, decorative wall plaques and classical stone busts and torsos, just to name a few.

Many of these examples possess a weathered patination and charm that can only be achieved by the imprint of time and exposure to the elements. This will be a rare opportunity to purchase from a valuable and comprehensive collection.

For enquiries please contact: Dominic Kavanagh, Vintage Interiors Manager (03) 8825 5632 dom.kavanagh@leonardjoel.com.au

A BRONZE AND EBONISED WOOD ARMILLARY SPHERE

SOLD $488 IBP

THE MELBOURNE AUCTION

NOW CONSIGNING FOR AUGUST AUCTION

A young man and a nail can

By Mac Robertson $200 -300

Enquiries Sasa Mitic, Manager, Objects & Books (03) 8825 5604 | sasa.mitic@leonardjoel.com.au

JUNE

20

LEONARD

DREWEATTS & BLOOMSBURY

Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Presenting

Interiors Furniture, Works of Art, Pictures, Asian & European Ceramics Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE Wednesday 17th June, 10.00am

Lot 65 A large Chinese grey stone head of a Buddha, Ming Dynasty or later, 34cm high Est. £1,000-1,500

Lot 2 English School (19th Century) A fox with its catch Oil on canvas Est. £300-500

Lot 263 A Regency giltwood and composition circular convex wall mirror, circa 1815, 100cm high Est. £400-600

Lot 313 A French patinated bronze model of a maiden, third quarter 19th century height 54cm Est. £500-800

Lot 107 A Japanese Cup and Saucer, signed Kinkozan, Meiji Period, the saucer 12cm diam Est. £200-300

Lot 254 A Flemish tapestry, 17th century Est. £800-1,200

Lot 217 A matched pair of William IV walnut desk armchairs, circa 1835, each 78cm high Est. £600-800

Lot 122 A Royal Crown Derby two-handled vase signed by A. Gregory, 18.5cm high Est. £300-500

Viewing times: Saturday 13th June, 9.00am-12.30pm; Sunday 14th June, 10.00am-2.00pm; Monday 15th June, 9.00am-6.00pm; Tuesday 16th June, 9.00am-4.30pm; Day of sale, from 8.30am Bidding and Information: furniture@dnfa.com | 01635 553 553 | www.dreweatts.com Register for Free Online Bidding: dreweatts.com/live

View the catalogue online at www.bloomsburyauctions.com

LEONARD

21

JUNE

NEW ART & CULTURE MAGAZINE

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