ISSUE 88 OCTOBER – NOVEMBER 2020
LEONARD
OCTOBER
Decorative Arts and Asian Art, Including Tribal Artefacts Monday 19 October, 12pm / MELBOURNE Women Artists
NOVEMBER
Wednesday 21 October, 6pm / MELBOURNE The Private Collection of Trevor Kennedy AM November / SYDNEY Vintage and Collectors Guitars: A Single Owner Online Auction Thursday 5 November, 2pm / MELBOURNE Modern Design Monday 16 November, 6pm / MELBOURNE Luxury Tuesday 17 November, 6pm / MELBOURNE Prints & Multiples Wednesday 18 November, 6pm / MELBOURNE Fine Jewels & Timepieces Monday 30 November, 6pm / MELBOURNE
DECEMBER
auction calendar —
Fine Art Tuesday 1 December, 6pm / MELBOURNE Important Jewels Tuesday 8 December, 6pm / SYDNEY The Thursday Auction Furniture & Interiors – 10am Jewellery Salon – 10.30am Art Salon – 12.30pm Objects & Collectables – 1pm MELBOURNE
LEFT: A LARGE GEORGIAN
COVER: A STERLING SILVER FIDDLE
STERLING SILVER LIDDED GRAVY DISH BY PETER AND ANNE BATEMAN, LONDON, CIRCA 1795 $2000-4000
THREAD AND SHELL FLATWARE SERVICE FOR EIGHT $6000-8000
Decorative Arts and Asian Art, Including Tribal Artefacts
Decorative Arts and Asian Art, Including Tribal Artefacts
welcome —
This Issue FROM THE DIRECTOR 3 Presenting Important Collections AUCTIONS 4 Important Collections: The Private Collection of Trevor Kennedy AM 8 Important Jewels: La Dolce Vita: Bulgari’s Enduring Legacy
Welcome to the 88th issue of Leonard. We are pleased to present The Private Collection of Trevor Kennedy AM, the first auction under Important Collections, a new department at Leonard Joel. Within this issue, we take a look at one of the highlights from this impressive and historically significant collection. We also welcome Troy McKenzie, our Queensland Representative Specialist to the team, learn how to buy a diamond at auction, delve into some of Sotirio Bulgari and Christian Dior's iconic designs, discover the health benefits of silver, and much more. We hope you enjoy.
10 Important Jewels: Extraordinary Result 11 Leonard Joel in Queensland: Welcoming Troy McKenzie 12 Women Artists: Hilda Rix Nicholas: From Ballarat to Tangier 14 Fine Jewels & Timepieces: Buying a Diamond at Auction 16 Decorative Arts: The Little-Known Health Benefits of Silver 18 Asian Works of Art: Early Minimalism: Classical Chinese Furniture 20 Modern Design: A True Sense of Australian Modernism 22 Luxury: Christian Dior: Design Revolutionary 24 Prints & Multiples: Hall Thorpe: Colour and Expression – IN FOCUS 26 5 Minutes with Madeleine Norton 27 22nd Report: IFAW Appoints John Albrecht to International Board 28 Valuations 29 Under The Hammer JOIN US 32 Connect & Buy with Leonard Joel 33 Contact a Leonard Joel Specialist
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— PROFILE —
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— FROM THE DIRECTOR —
PRESENTING IMPORTANT COLLECTIONS — Curating the beautiful and collectable, great and small
Welcome to our Spring edition of Leonard. As you read this, we will have already conducted our first Fine Art and Fine Jewels & Timepieces auctions in a strictly virtual environment, with no public gatherings or in-person appointments. In Sydney, with our salerooms under less stringent public measures, we continue to welcome our clients and friends to gather. Sydney recently enabled two watershed moments for Leonard Joel; the sale of the collection of the late John Schaeffer (that surpassed our previous Sydney decorative arts auction record when we sold the estate of James Fairfax) and just as excitingly the sale, within our newly formed Sydney-based Important Jewels department, of a 17.34 carat emerald cut diamond ring for an eye-watering Australian jewellery auction record of $575,000 (IBP). Online auctions in Melbourne with virtual viewings, good old-fashioned public auctions in Sydney; this is the nature of business now – old ways and new ways colliding. We are now completely removed from the subject matter of Edward Bird’s The Auction, that we had the pleasure of selling almost exactly a decade ago. Record results and auctions aside, at the heart of what we do and what we love doing is celebrating collections and to this end I’m proud to announce the formation of our Important Collections department; a department not just for the valuable, but for the historically and socially important also. One would be missing the point if one thought this department was reserved for only the most expensive examples of beautiful, collectable things because it is not. The department is informed and finds its inspiration from our management of the James Fairfax, Mirka Mora and Kozminksy Collections, where the great and the small were curated and sold as the collector would have wanted it; with respect for every object, its history and its place. And how fitting it is that this department begins in Sydney in November with the presentation of the Private Collection of Trevor Kennedy AM. In every sense Trevor remains the consummate collector; maintaining focus with what he collected, continuously refining his eye and his collection and always patient in his approach.
ABOVE: EDWARD BIRD (BRITISH, 1772-1819) The Auction oil on panel 64 x 98cm Sold for $105,600 OPPOSITE: A selection of pieces
from The Private Collection of Trevor Kennedy AM
Collections are typically formed over half a century, and great collections always display these attributes. Leonard Joel is honoured to be offering this collection within our newly formed department. Wishing our entire community and beyond health and safety in these times, JOHN ALBRECHT
Managing Director / National Head of Collections
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——PROFILE AUCTIONS — —
IMPORTANT COLLECTIONS
The Private Collection of Trevor Kennedy AM
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— PROFILE —
'The Private Collection of Trevor Kennedy AM in November will feature what is considered by many to be the finest private collection of Decorative Arts relating to Australia’s colonial and Federal history.'
IMAGE: A selection of pieces
from The Private Collection of Trevor Kennedy AM
— PROFILE —
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— AUCTIONS —
The Private Collection of Trevor Kennedy AM The Private Collection of Trevor Kennedy AM in
This Speaker’s Chair is made after Pasley’s design for
The Private Collection of
November will feature what is considered by many to be
another important historical event: the Federation of
Trevor Kennedy AM
the finest private collection of Decorative Arts relating to
Australia into a single nation in 1901. This chair, made
November, SYDNEY
Australia’s colonial and Federal history. A sizeable number
also in blackwood, was commissioned from Charles
of items, including the Australian history related tranche
Johnson & Co of 186 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy. Research
of another important private collector: Ruth Simons, have
has also indicated that the carving was done by Robert
SCALE DRAWING FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER CENTRE CHAIR, SIGNED BY THOMAS CHUCK 1856 (detail) Estimate on request
never before been seen at public auction.
Prenzel.
One of the many highlights of Trevor Kennedy’s private
At the opening of the first Federal Parliament, the chair
collection is a finely carved blackwood chair that bears
was used by HRH the Duchess of York (who later became
great historical and cultural significance as one of the
Queen Mary) on a raised dais before 14,000 guests at the
ABOVE: THE SPEAKER'S CHAIR
‘Chairs of State’ at the point of Australia’s Federation. The
Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne. This chair is one
FROM THE FIRST AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL PARLIAMENT AFTER A DESIGN BY CHARLES PASLEY (1824–1890) Estimate on request
design for the chair relates back to the completion of the
of just a few works of art associated with the ceremony,
Victorian Legislative Council Chamber in 1855 following
the most well-known being the immortalisation of this
the creation of the Colony of Victoria upon its separation
critically important Constitutional event by Tom Roberts
from New South Wales in 1851.
in his ‘Big Picture’, on permanent display at Parliament
OPPOSITE: A COPY OF THE
The iconic Parliament building Victoria built for itself reflected the wealth and optimism of the age following the discovery of gold, with the interiors epitomising the grandeur and dignity of the right of the new colony to
House in Canberra. It was from these chairs, operating as ‘Chairs of State’ that HRH the Duke of Cornwall and York (Later King George V) authorised the new Federal Parliament on behalf of the Sovereign.
self-rule. The Legislative Council Chamber itself, including
Following its use as one of the mechanisms of the State
furnishings, was designed by a student of Sir Charles
Opening, the chair was taken away by the first Speaker
Barry, Peter Kerr, who echoed the lavish trappings of
of the House of Representatives, Sir Frederick Holder.
Britain’s executive buildings.
This followed a tradition from the English Parliament that
The commission of the original Speaker’s chair was an example of Victoria’s desire for a suitably dignified symbol of the people the Chamber was established to
the Speaker could claim the chair he used during his Speakership. MATTHEW JUMP / Leonard Joel Sydney
represent. A key desire by the Commissioner of Public Works, Charles Pasley, was to build the Parliament and its associated furnishings from local materials and with the help of local craftsmen. The native blackwood here was carved by an immigrant cabinet-maker and upholsterer, Thomas Chuck, to an original design.
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— AUCTIONS —
IMPORTANT JEWELS La Dolce Vita: Bulgari’s Enduring Legacy
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— AUCTIONS —
Important Jewels Auction Tues 8 Dec, 6pm SYDNEY LEFT: PLATINUM, SAPPHIRE AND
DIAMOND 'TROMBINO' RING, BULGARI Sold for $125,000 OPPOSITE: A SPECTACULAR
18 CARAT GOLD, FANCY COLOURED SAPPHIRE, EMERALD AND DIAMOND 'SAPPHIRE FLOWER' BRACELET, BULGARI 2004 $75,000-100,000
Born into a family of silversmiths originally hailing from
To the American stars of the silver screen such
the Greek village of Kallarrytes, at the age of 20 a young
as Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Ingrid Bergman,
Sotirios Boulgaris and his silversmith father moved to Italy
Grace Kelly, Anita Ekberg and many others filming in
to escape the political insecurity and lawlessness in their
Rome, “Hollywood on the Tiber”, Bulgari’s colourful and
homeland. Following on from a number of successful
symmetrical jewels in innovative designs came to be seen
jewellery start-ups around Italy, in 1905 Sotirios Boulgaris,
as capturing the spirit of La Dolce Vita — the sweet life.
who had by now Italianised his name to Sotirio Bulgari, set up a silverware and fine jewellery store, S. Bulgari, in 10 b-c Via dei Condotti, Rome which continues to this day to be Bulgari’s flagship store.
Elizabeth Taylor in her autobiographical book “My Love Affair with Jewelry” recalled, “Undeniably, one of the biggest advantages to working on Cleopatra in Rome was Bulgari’s nice little shop. I used to visit Gianni Bulgari in
Initially drawing heavily on the Parisian fashion scene for
the afternoons, and we’d sit in what he called the ‘money
trends and design cues, Sotirio Bulgari soon reimagined
room’ and swap stories.” Taylor would go on build an
the French designs to Italian tastes and aesthetics.
enviable jewellery collection. Jewels representative of
A defining feature of the early Bulgari designs was
Bulgari’s creativity featured heavily. In December 2011,
the use of circular elements embellished with large
Christie’s held a sale of Taylor’s private collection which
diamonds which quickly set their jewels apart from their
set a record then as the most valuable sale of jewellery in
competitors. Their patrons soon went on to include ruling
auction history. Amongst other lots, her Bulgari Trombino
European monarchs and members of royal families, heads
ring centring a 25ct sugar-loaf cabochon Ceylon sapphire
of state, politicians, American industrialists and celebrities
framed by diamonds which she self-purchased in 1971 to
from the arts and letters.
complement a sautoir Richard Burton had given her as a
Following Sotirio’s death in 1932, under the able
birthday gift, sold for US$866,500.
stewardship of his sons Constantino and Giorgio the firm
Inspired by designs from the mid-century period, in 2004
rebranded as BVLGARI and consolidated their reputation
Bulgari launched the Sapphire Flower Collection featuring
for original design and exceptional craftsmanship.
an extraordinary selection of fancy coloured sapphires
An enduring design from the 1930s is the iconic Trombino ring. Translating to “small trumpet”, one of the early models in 1932 served as Giorgio’s engagement ring. Centring a large gemstone mounted on a broad band framed by pavé-set diamonds, the shoulders are decorated with horizontal lines of graduated baguette
in vibrant hues including mauve, raspberry red, lime green, violet and sky blue. Representing a new direction for Bulgari, the innovative ‘high jewellery designs’ are characterised by flexible openwork delicate motifs that give the floral themed jewels a two-dimensional effect when worn on the body.
diamonds. The Trombino ring, which represented
We are privileged to offer this spectacular 18ct gold
Bulgari’s early experimentation with smooth and linear
Sapphire, Emerald and Diamond bracelet, a special order,
contours would go on to influence the firm’s style. Later
from the Bulgari Sapphire Flower Collection as part of
in the ‘60s, coupled with the prolific use of bold coloured
our Important Jewels auction on the 8th of December in
gemstones in striking colour mixes, the structured
Sydney.
designs and more compact shapes came to define their unique aesthetic and set them apart from their US and
HAMISH SHARMA / Head of Important Jewels
French counterparts.
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— AUCTIONS —
Extraordinary Result New Australian Auction Jewellery Record Set as 17.34ct Diamond Ring Sells for $575,000 — We are thrilled to announce that on the 26th August in
Auctioneer Ronan Sulich, formerly of Christie’s, took to
Sydney our Important Jewels department realised a new
the rostrum as bidders joined the auction in the room,
Australian auction record for a piece of jewellery.
live on the internet, over the telephone or via absentee
The previous record of $450,000 was well and truly smashed when Lot 35, an impressive 17.34 carat emeraldcut diamond ring set in platinum, sold for $575,000 (IBP). John Albrecht says “In seven short weeks Hamish Sharma, formerly of Sotheby’s Australia, has curated our inaugural Important Jewels auction and delivered a record-breaking sale. I couldn’t be happier with the single result and the auction realising 1.3M (IBP).” Hamish Sharma says “My decision to join the Leonard Joel team was prompted by John’s unparalleled commitment to both the development of the jewellery auction category and creating the first truly national jewellery auctioneer. My passion and expertise lies in the exceptional quality jewellery market and I’m so pleased that Leonard Joel now has this capacity. There is simply no jewellery auction market in Australia as broad and as deep as Leonard Joel’s offering.”
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bid, to secure the magnificent jewels. Other highlights from the sale included lot 40, an amazing platinum and diamond bracelet circa 1930 that sold for $187,500 IBP and lot 43, a platinum, sapphire and diamond ‘Trombino’ ring by Bulgari that sold for $125,000 IBP. Leonard Joel’s next Important Jewels Auction in Sydney is scheduled for the 8th of December and consignments are now being invited.
— AUCTIONS —
Leonard Joel in Queensland Welcoming Troy McKenzie — We are delighted to announce that Troy McKenzie
As a representative specialist, Troy will be providing the
has been appointed as Leonard Joel’s Representative
following services:
Specialist for Queensland. Troy is a Queenslander by birth and is a respected and trusted member of the Queensland community. For almost 30 years, Troy has worked as an expert jeweller with the respected
• Availability by appointment for an in-home visit or virtual valuation • Monthly valuation days in Brisbane where Troy will
Brisbane firm Penfold and Troy’s aim in this new role is
connect sellers with the entire Leonard Joel specialist
to combine his passion for jewellery with his interest in
team
art, antiques and the southern states auction markets. Troy’s enthusiasm for the antiques and arts industries is legendary and now he will be sharing that with Queensland clients that require the services of the Leonard Joel marketplace. With Troy’s appointment, Leonard Joel provides two valuable selling environments for his community. Firstly, the largest and only integrated jewellery marketplace in Australia with connected offices between Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. As part of the Leonard Joel team, Troy is now able to provide his clients with the biggest and most active jewellery auction marketplace
• Manage with respected service providers the safe and insured transportation of client property to Leonard Joel salerooms • Oversee with his clients the expert marketing and advertising of his client’s property • Weekly, monthly and quarterly selling solutions across all categories Please note that Troy will also be offering an advisory service for clients wishing to buy in Leonard Joel auctions in Melbourne and Sydney.
in the country. Secondly, for those clients with valuable
For any Queensland enquiries, please contact Troy:
single items or collections, Troy will now be providing
Troy McKenzie | Queensland Representative Specialist
an advisory service that connects every Leonard Joel
troy.mckenzie@leonardjoel.com.au | 0412 997 080
specialist with his audience. Distance and unfamiliarity with southern markets has often been a barrier for northern sellers and buyers and it is one of Troy’s aims to break down this barrier and for the first time offer his community a complete, transparent and secure suite of auction services. leonardjoel.com.au | 11
— AUCTIONS —
WOMEN ARTISTS Hilda Rix Nicholas: From Ballarat to Tangier
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— AUCTIONS —
Leonard Joel’s annual Women Artists Auction is a
to capture the light, movement and shapes of the busy
Women Artists Auction
much-anticipated event for collectors, showcasing an
street scenes unfolding around her in a matter of minutes.
Wed 21 Oct, 6pm
exciting collection of works by female artists that are now
Her works acted as a glimpse into life in North Africa, an
MELBOURNE
demanding the academic and commercial recognition
exotic and dreamy destination for many back home.
they so rightfully deserve. This year’s exhibition continues
Sadly, a house fire claimed many works from her African
ABOVE: Hilda Rix Nicholas
to focus on artists of the early 20th Century, a turning
sketching in the marketplace, 1914
point for many artists when overseas travel and study
LEFT: HILDA RIX NICHOLAS
became more accessible than ever before.
(1884-1961) The Arab Sheep Market, Tangier 1914 oil on canvas
Establishing success early in her career, Ballarat born
sale, as one of the rare remaining oils of this series to ever
Hilda Rix Nicholas exhibited locally in Melbourne at The
come to public auction. Arab Sheep Market, Tangier 1914
Austral Salon and at the Victorian Artists’ Society, while
is executed with brilliant pictorial movement - the play
studying under Frederick McCubbin. After her father’s
of sunlight glistens across the surface, the powerful
tragic and sudden death, Hilda and her family made the
African sun illuminating the whitewashed architecture and
decision to travel to Europe. This fateful decision not only
textured garments. Her colour palette became liberated,
brought hope of a fresh start but also exposed Hilda to
with bursts of pinks, purples, and oranges in line with
Europe’s most influential art movements which would
her Fauvist influences. The warmth of her creams and
have a profound impact on her oeuvre.
yellows are felt not just seen, a true testament to Hilda’s
PROVENANCE: Dr J. P. Rasmussen OAM Thence by descent Private collection, New South Wales $50,000-60,000
Visiting North Africa twice, Hilda was one of the first
series with the majority of oils remaining now secured in institutional collections. Leonard Joel is honoured to offer Arab Sheep Market, Tangier 1914 in our October
distinctive post-impressionist style.
Australian artists to follow the trend and undertake what
Arab Sheep Market, Tangier 1914 has been much-
was known as the ‘artist’s circuit’ throughout French North
admired in many significant exhibitions, loaned from
Africa, also known as the Maghreb. The unique qualities
the significant Rasmussen Family Collection in whose
of the sun and striking architecture served as a challenge
care it has been for many decades. Hilda Rix Nicholas’
to western artists with formal European training. During
works were celebrated for much of her lifetime, but the
her first visit to North Africa in 1912, Rix Nicholas
art world slowly began to exclude her from important
travelled to Morocco and Spain for three months, basing
discussions of 20th Century Australian art. Her work is
herself out of Tangier, and then returning in 1914 with
rightfully now re-emerging from the plethora of Australian
her sister, Elsie. Fascinated by this region, these trips
female artists unjustly left behind, and we are pleased to
offered her the opportunity to paint en plein air in a new
showcase this painting as the leading work of our Women
environment. Experimenting with style and colour, she
Artists auction on the 21st of October.
produced intimate scenes of local villagers, public spaces and town life. Working quickly to avoid the notice of
LUCY FOSTER / Fine Art Specialist
passers-by, Rix Nicholas honed her swift handling of paint
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— —AUCTIONS PROFILE ——
FINE JEWELS & TIMEPIECES Buying A Diamond At Auction
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— AUCTIONS —
Fine Jewels & Timepieces Auction Mon 30 Nov, 6pm MELBOURNE
With an eclectic range of contemporary, vintage and
Carat
antique pieces available, jewellery auctions are an
The final component is the diamond carat. Diamonds are
excellent place to consider when looking to source a
measured by weight rather than size, and therefore the
diamond. As with any major purchase or investment,
heavier the diamond the greater the carat weight. Pricing
doing some informed research and becoming familiar
is determined by an exponential scale since the larger
with the market is highly recommended. Read on to
carat weights are generally rarer and more desirable,
discover how to get started, with key points to consider
making them higher in value.
and questions to ask, no matter your taste or budget.
Once familiar with the basics of diamond grading, there
To begin with, let us look at the basics of diamond
are some specific points to consider before bidding on a
grading. Diamond quality is determined by a system
diamond at auction. A jewellery specialist can help with
colloquially known as ‘The Four Cs’, referring to cut,
these technical questions:
colour, clarity and carat weight. Together these four factors form the basis of a classification system for diamond grading that influences values.
Does this diamond have fluorescence? Fluorescence refers to a diamond’s tendency to emit a soft glow when exposed to ultraviolet light. Many
Cut
diamonds have some degree of fluorescence. Under
The cut of a diamond refers to its shape and proportions.
certain light conditions, a slight fluorescence may make
Stones may be cut in a variety of shapes including round
a tinted diamond appear whiter. In contrast, medium to
brilliant, baguette, emerald, square, pear, cushion and
strong fluorescence in a high colour stone may impact the
marquise to name only a few. Whilst choosing a cut is
brilliance of the stone.
predominantly personal preference, ensuring the stone has good proportions is important. The proportions of a stone are the specific facet lengths and angles, all of which can affect the brilliance of the stone.
Has the diamond undergone any treatment? There are a host of treatments that can be applied to a diamond to enhance colour and clarity. Some treatments are stable and permanent, whilst some can compromise
Colour
the structure of the stone, leading to potential damage
Naturally occurring in a full range of colours including
during wear, repair or cleaning. It is important to
pink, yellow, blue, green, grey and even black, diamonds
understand what, if any, treatment has been applied, as
are commonly graded on a scale of colourlessness.
this can significantly affect the value. Diamond treatments
Starting with D and running down the alphabet,
must be disclosed to buyers, and a jewellery specialist
diamonds are graded from colourless through to white
can further elaborate on any questions you may have
and tinted. Much like the cut of a diamond, colour can
about specific treatments and enhancements.
often come down to personal preference although colourless and near colourless diamonds command a higher price. In the case of rare ‘fancy coloured’ diamonds such as a natural vivid blue, scarcity drives the value upwards. Only 1 in 100,000 qualifies as a natural fancy coloured diamond! Clarity Clarity is the third important element that categorises the stone purity. Evaluating the clarity of a diamond involves assessing the naturally occurring internal characteristics, noting the shape, colour, size, and positioning within the stone. The GIA (Gemmological Institute of America) has formulated a grading scale to describe these characteristics running from Internally Flawless through
Is there any accompanying certification? At auctions, diamonds are offered from a range of eras, some preceding certification. However, many modern diamonds are accompanied by independent laboratory reports. Whilst not essential, having certification is good for peace of mind and may be useful if reselling the piece in the future. What is the condition of the diamond? Although incredibly hard-wearing, diamonds are still susceptible to some ‘wear and tear’. Often, abrasions and chips are only visible under loupe or microscope magnification, so request a condition report or ask a jewellery specialist to assist.
to Included. Whilst some inclusions may be visible to the
With several Important and Fine Jewels & Timepieces
naked eye, many are only visible with a 10x loupe. Keep
auctions per annum, along with a weekly jewellery
in mind that these natural inclusions are what makes each
offering presented as The Jewellery Salon within The
diamond unique!
Thursday Auction, Leonard Joel has a truly eclectic offering of diamonds available. Happy browsing! BETHANY MCGOUGAN / Senior Jewellery Specialist
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— AUCTIONS —
DECORATIVE ARTS The Little-Known Health Benefits of Silver
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— AUCTIONS —
The phrase “being born with a silver spoon in your
Sterling silver can be affordable on the auction market
Decorative Arts and
mouth” does not deserve the unpleasant connotations
and is readily available, however due to its presumed
Asian Art, Including Tribal
that it has in today’s society; we only need to look at
value and assumed cleaning maintenance, is often
Artefacts
ancient civilizations and their practices to see why.
wrapped away in a drawer and reserved for special
Mon 19 Oct, 12pm
Silver has been used since its discovery 5000 years ago
occasions or mistaken for newcomer stainless steel.
MELBOURNE
and has been synonymous with wealth and currency
However, if silver is used daily, cleaning becomes less of a
for millennia. Like its fellow precious metals, silver was
chore and the pieces may only require a freshen up once
ABOVE: A GEORGIAN STERLING
commonly acquired for its investment value, however
a year.
SILVER SPIRIT KETTLE ON STAND BY JOHN EAMES, LONDON, CIRCA 1806 $2,000-4,000
it also has other attributes that are slowly reemerging
OPPOSITE:
A SET OF SIX STERLING SILVER PLATES BY GEORGE HINDMARSH, LONDON, CIRCA 1753 $6,000-8,000
into public knowledge. Have you ever wondered
I would strongly encourage any fellow antiques
why civilizations have been using silver for centuries?
enthusiasts to consider investing in a silver set or a
Although silver has long been long admired for its
lovely set of wine goblets and start enjoying the lifelong
luscious appearance, its origins for use outside currency
benefits.
and jewellery lie in its health benefits. Upcoming in our October Decorative Arts sale we
A LARGE PAIR OF STERLING SILVER PLATTERS BY ANDREW FOGELBERG & STEPHEN GILBERT, LONDON, CIRCA 1781 $5,000-8,000
Favorable for its high conductivity and appearance, silver
present a selection of sterling silver dining ware including
also possesses antibacterial, antiseptic, and antimicrobial
a beautiful set of champagne coupes, a set of Georgian
qualities and has less toxicity than other heavy metals,
silver plates, and a set of fiddle, thread and shell flatware,
making it an attractive utensil for everyday use. With
all illustrated here.
A STERLING SILVER FIDDLE THREAD AND SHELL FLATWARE SERVICE FOR EIGHT $6,000-8,000
silver’s ability to kill most germs, some believe that using silver utensils for dining can improve immunity. Studies
CHIARA CURCIO / Head of Decorative Arts
have shown that silver also keeps food fresher for longer. In fact, ancient civilizations would use silver vessels to
Need advice on buying or selling silver?
store wine, vinegar, and water.
Please contact Chiara Curcio, Head of Decorative Arts on 0412 653 315
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— AUCTIONS —
ASIAN WORKS OF ART Early Minimalism: Classical Chinese Furniture
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— AUCTIONS —
Decorative Arts and Asian Art, Including Tribal Artefacts Mon 19 Oct, 12pm MELBOURNE
LEFT: A PAIR OF CHINESE
HUANGHUALI SPINDLE-BACK ‘MEIGUI YI’ CHAIRS MING (1368-1644) OR QING DYNASTY (1644-1912), CIRCA 17TH/18TH CENTURY $20,000-30,000
The golden age of Chinese furniture spanned the Ming (1368-1644) to middle Qing (1644-1912) dynasties, when furniture suddenly leaped away from previous lacquered softwoods towards austere and refined pieces crafted from Southeast Asian hardwoods. The emphasis was on simplicity, often with little or no decoration, wonderful timber selection and complex mortise and tenon joinery. No nails were used, so pieces could be broken down and flat-packed for storage and travel. Zitan wood was favoured by the Imperial Palace, and lent itself to exceptionally fine carving. But honey-coloured and richly figured huanghuali was the favourite of the scholar officials who governed China. Those who could afford to, decorated their studios sparsely with just a few select and useful pieces of huanghuali furniture: a painting table, a pairs of open book cabinets, a highbacked armchair and a pair of side chairs, maybe an incense stand, a strange rock evoking a distant mountain, and a painting. In design and interior spacing they were the first true minimalists. This pair of low-backed huanghuali ‘meigui yi’ armchairs epitomise the characteristics mentioned above. They are of gently tapered spindle back design, the squaresectioned legs joined with an elegantly beaded apron. They date approximately to the 17th or 18th Century, and were purchased by the vendor in Hong Kong in the 1990s. We are pleased to be offering them in our upcoming auction on 19 October 2020. CARL WANTRUP, Asian Art Consultant
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— AUCTIONS —
MODERN DESIGN A True Sense of Australian Modernism
“I don’t like to be pigeonholed, but rather find the virtue in a wide range of things”
What has prompted you to sell your collection now?
GEOFFREY HATTY
Generally, it is the most recent purchase, but if I were to
I feel that a real interest, and a desire to understand and acquire historic Australian design has arrived. What is your favourite piece in the collection? choose something that pleases me most, it would be the hand beaten coffee / tea pot. It was purchased alongside
Geoffrey Hatty Applied Arts has been running for
another coffee pot that carried the marks from the
over four decades now, not easy in the fickle world of
Ballarat school of mines, and I believe it is from the same
Melbourne retail. A testament to the power of taste,
workshop. It is truly handmade, basic in its manufacturing;
Hatty’s natural awareness of beauty and design is what
another factor that proves it to be Australian. This would
makes his pieces so great.
never have occurred with a European object of the time.
Layers and layers of different aesthetics have always graced his stores, he moves with his own visual sentiment, rather than what is on trend. Perhaps this is the secret to his quietly confident success, and how he himself makes sense of the world. Anna Grassham, our head of Modern Design sits down with Geoffrey to discuss his thoughts on the Australian design movements, along with his curated collection, to be offered in the upcoming November Modern Design Auction. 20 | leonardjoel.com.au
It is primitive yet expresses a true sense of modernity. What is the most common misconception about Australian modernism? The biggest misconception is that modernism started post war, where in fact it started in the early twentieth century. Perhaps a little later here in Australia.
LEFT: WALTER BURLEY GRIFFIN
NEWMAN COLLEGE DESK CHAIR $3,500-4,500 RIGHT: ARTS AND CRAFTS
TEAPOT $2,500-3,500
— AUCTIONS —
Modern Design Auction Mon 16 Nov, 6pm MELBOURNE
TOP: CLEMENT MEADMORE
CEILING LIGHT $3,000-4,000 BOTTOM: CLEMENT MEADMORE
PAIR OF CHAIRS $9,000-10,000
What are some of the best examples of modernism we
collection of Fred Ward, I had to ask myself which
have here?
potter best expressed that sense of modernity and
Some of the finest were contained in a collection of Fred
functionalism. The early work of Allen Lowe best
Ward furniture that we sold to the National Gallery of
exemplifies that philosophy.
Victoria. All the pieces were originally commissioned by the fabulous Baroness Maie Casey aka ‘Lady Casey’. Who is the most underrated Australian mid-century designer? Sol Shapiro, for his sheer bravery and individuality.
When you opened your first gallery 38 years ago, what were people collecting and how has it changed? What do you mean back in the 80s?! I used to buy Grant Featherston chairs that no one wanted. My intention at the time was to keep buying them, as long as I did not
What is the best advice you can give to a young
pay more than $60 each! At one point I had 4 Grant
Australian design collector?
Featherston sound chairs. There were Michael Hirst and
Start from a place of curiosity. Become a connoisseur
Clement Meadmore coffee tables that you just do not see
through careful observation, so you can then define what
anymore. Australian Rite-Lite’s were also a dime a dozen, I
makes a good thing. Don’t just read vintage issues of
just always considered them far too common.
Home Beautiful. Where does Australian pottery fit into the modern picture? We are big collectors of Australian and international ceramics. So, when we decided to put together the
For some time, Australian design was not considered as that of European design, and hence there were only a handful of serious collectors here? Yes, however things have changed. Now there is a far deeper knowledge and appreciation of our design history. The Australian market has become more sophisticated. Items featured in the November Modern Design auction, such as two desks, one from Architects Built Moderne, the other from Chancellor and Patrick, who built the butterfly house on the Mornington peninsular in 1954. These are perfect examples of what an educated collector will be looking for today. ANNA GRASSHAM / Head of Modern Design
leonardjoel.com.au | 21
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— AUCTIONS —
Luxury Christian Dior: Design Revolutionary — Luxury Auction Tues 17 Nov, 6pm MELBOURNE
When we think about Christian Dior today, a handbag
time with its silhouette characterised by a small, nipped-in
may be the first thing that comes to mind, such as the
waist and a full skirt falling below mid-calf length, which
classic ‘Lady Dior’ bag made famous by fashion icon Lady
emphasised the bust and hips.
Diana. This accessory was not actually made with Diana in mind, but was gifted to her in 1995 by Bernadette Chriac,
ABOVE: A LADY DIOR HANDBAG
then wife of the Mayor of Paris, but this is only part of the
BY CHRISTIAN DIOR Sold for $1,875
story. A younger generation may not realise what a genius
OPPOSITE: CHRISTIAN DIOR'S 'NEW LOOK', INTRODUCED IN FEBRUARY 1947.
post World War II fashion world with his fresh and stylish
Dior was, and just how dramatically he revolutionised the designs that would come to be known as the ‘New Look’.
The New Look became extremely popular with its distinctive silhouette influencing other fashion designers well into the 1950s, emphasising post war prosperity through generous use of material after years of cloth rationing. It had some critics, with some finding the look too indulgent. Fellow designer Coco Chanel was said to have remarked ‘Only a man who never was intimate with
Christian Dior went out on his own in December 1946,
a woman could design something that uncomfortable.’
and was rocketed to Haute Couture stardom in the
Despite this, the look continues to inspire fashion and
following year. In 1938, he became an assistant designer
designers into the 21st Century.
for the leading couturier of Paris, Robert Piguet, and four years later joined the house of designer Lucien Lelong. Even though Dior was financially backed for his solo venture, by this time his following was so great that it was decided the house would be called Christian Dior. The ‘New Look’ was launched in February 1947, only two months after Dior set up at his Parisian headquarters at 30 Avenue Montaigne, which was originally a private house.
…And what of Dior? Sadly, in October 1957 Christian Dior prematurely passed away due to a heart attack at age 52. By the time of his death, his name had become synonymous with taste and luxury. His successor was 21-year-old Yves Saint Laurent, who had joined the House in 1955… The rest is another story. JOHN D'AGATA / Head of Luxury
It was the chief editor of Harper’s Bazaar who coined the mark of this new era in couture, exclaiming ‘It’s such a new look!’ This was a revolutionary style for women at the
leonardjoel.com.au | 23
— PROFILE —
24 | leonardjoel.com.au
— AUCTIONS —
Prints & Multiples Auction Wed 18 Nov, 6pm MELBOURNE LEFT: HALL THORPE
Piccadilly (London) Colour woodblock $600-800 OPPOSITE: HALL THORPE
A Summer Bunch (detail) Colour woodblock $1,000-1,500
Prints & Multiples Hall Thorpe: Colour and Expression — Australian born artist John Hall Thorpe (1874 – 1947) learnt
change. He began to view artworks from an aesthetic point
the technique of woodblock printing in the early 1890s at
of view, captivating colour, simplification in its expression
the ‘Sydney Mail’, under the apprenticeship of John Fairfax
and shadow no further than essential to form. With this
and Sons. It was over the course of nine years that he
new outlook and take on his technique, Thorpe begun to
mastered the technique of wood engraving. Thorpe spoke
use new subjects, such as his now renowned floral still lifes,
very highly of these influential years and cherished his time:
fruit still-lifes, and landscapes. The still life prints portray a
“I received, every encouragement in my art, and I have since found the knowledge I gained of wood engraving during my apprenticeship to be of incalculable value”
variety of rich colours and form, immediately appealing to a broad range of collectors to brighten their homes. Thorpe undertook each step of the printing process himself, from the design through to the publishing proving that his time
Relocating to London in 1902, Thorpe struggled to gain
at the ‘Sydney Mail’ served him well. This is perhaps the
recognition but made a small start with a handful of
reason that he felt no need to limit specific editions.
drawings for commercial magazines and papers. Thorpe began to paint small personal pieces depicting his new surroundings. During his time living abroad, Thorpe was invited to exhibit at the 1906 Royal Academy’s Colonial Exhibition alongside fellow Australian artists such as Arthur Streeton and Hayley Lever. Thorpe’s breakthrough moment in this exhibition was when he receive a favourable comment from respected art critic Cameille Mauclair, “I knew nothing – of Mr. Hall Thorpe before seeing his works collected here, but from the first glance I felt that I was in the presence of a true artist; that is, one for
It was during this time that Thorpe produced ‘A Country Bunch’, at the time the largest woodblock print to be printed in colour with the first printing acquired by the Contemporary Art Society, Australia. This was the first of many of Thorpe’s prints to be acquired by notable collectors and institutions. ‘Three Wise Men’ was added to the print collection of the British Museum in which it is still held. At exhibition, her Majesty the Queen Mary showed appreciation and purchased ‘Anchusa’, a delicate blue flower that Her Majesty was fond of.
whom technique has but one mission, one safeguard,
His artworks feel like a walk through a familiar garden,
and one purpose – the expression of sentiment, which
the colour is consistent and considered with an emphasis
is everything… He paints not merely what he sees, but
on the pure joyousness of fresh colour. Hall Thorpe is
what he has thought. This is why his art has in it something
now a widely collected printmaker on a global scale. I am
moving – intimate – and it is perhaps when art speaks to us
delighted to invite you to view our recently consigned
in a subdued voice that our hearts listen most profoundly”
collection of Hall Thorpe woodblock prints featured in the
Once Thorpe’s artwork gained recognition, his whole attitude towards the process went under a complete
November Prints and Multiples auction. HANNAH RYAN / Prints & Multiples Manager leonardjoel.com.au | 25
— PROFILE —
Minutes with… MADELEINE NORTON
In this issue, we spend five minutes with Madeleine Norton, our Sydney based Auction Administrator and Client Liaison.
FAVOURITE MAKER / ARTIST An artist who’s had one of the biggest impacts on
My favourite book that I’ve read recently is Barbara
my life is the contemporary choreographer and artist
Bourland’s ‘Fake Like Me’. It’s a fun fiction novel which
Tino Sehgal. I saw his “constructed situations” at the
combines a mysterious death with the New York art
Guggenheim, NY, when I was 19 and got a complete
scene. Having worked in a contemporary art gallery
shock that what I found myself participating in could be
in New York previously it made me laugh at how
considered art. His work changed my perspective on the
many of the fictional anecdotes hit pretty close to the
definition of art and encouraged me to pursue further
mark.
study in the field. FAVOURITE WORK OF ART / OBJECT
YOUR IDEAL DAY IN SYDNEY I’m a total millennial cliché I’m afraid, I’m usually
This is a completely impossible question but one painting
pretty happy if I can fit in a morning gym or yoga class
that captivated me when I saw it was the surrealist René
followed by a coffee, a walk through Centennial Park
Magritte’s ‘Empire of Light’. I love the subtle paradox of
with a friend and then in the afternoon there’s nothing
the lit streetlamp signalling night-time and the blue sunny
better than being by the water (probably with a drink in
sky of daylight.
hand)!
FAVOURITE COFFEE / WINE / COCKTAIL My friends make fun of me for being a nanna but I absolutely love an Amaretto Sour, pretty much every bartender knows how to make one so it doesn’t matter where you are; they’re such a delicious balance of sweet and sour.
26 | leonardjoel.com.au
FAVOURITE BOOK
22
ND REPORT
IFAW Appoints John Albrecht to International Board — John Albrecht & Rebecca Keeble
Leonard Joel is proud to announce that our CEO has
2018
been appointed to the International Board of IFAW, the
Presented Leonard Joel’s industry leading position at the
International Fund for Animal Welfare.
federal inquiry into the trade in elephant ivory and rhino
In 2017, with the support of Rebecca Keeble of IFAW’s
horn at NSW Parliament House
Australian office, Leonard Joel developed and adopted an
2019
industry-leading policy relating to the cessation of auction
Delivered an art auction fundraising evening (ART for
trade in elephant ivory and rhinoceros horn. Since then
IFAW) that raised $33,450.
John has been an advocate for both the wider adoption of this policy and industry change.
Conservation and activism have become a rediscovered thread of John’s life. He kept animals from a young age,
To date John and the Leonard Joel team, with the critical
marvelled at his father’s love of and respect for nature
support of Rebecca Keeble of the IFAW Australian office,
and in sixth grade raised $57 for his own street corner
have collaborated on numerous events devoted to the
“Let Wales[sic] Live” Campaign.
cessation of trade in these materials. Here is a brief timeline of what has been achieved:
John Albrecht: “My Canadian born teacher of that year, Mr Stanhope, encouraged me to do it and I will
2017
always remember him acknowledging my fundraise and
Developed a world-leading voluntary policy on the
how good and proud that made me feel. My goal is to
cessation in elephant ivory and rhino horn trade
do good things that are of value to the IFAW mission
Convened a domestic auction and antiques industry conference on ivory and horn auction trade cessation
and further develop Australia’s connection with this extraordinary global organisation.”
Established a regular editorial column devoted to trade cessation efforts and the IFAW mission Presented the Leonard Joel policy at the Invaluable Global Auction House Summit in Boston
leonardjoel.com.au | 27
— MELBOURNE & SYDNEY —
Valuations Leonard Joel is the only auction house in Australia with a dedicated Valuations department, enabling us to offer a broad range of specialist expertise for the valuation and auction of single items and entire collections. — Leonard Joel is proud to be a corporate member of the
I have recently been appointed to the board of the
Auctioneers and Valuers Association of Australia. The
Auctioneers and Valuers Association of Australia. I am
AVAA is Australia’s peak national body of Auctioneers
excited to be on the board as an experienced auctioneer
and Valuers of fine art, antiques and collectables, goods,
and valuer with over 20 years of experience. I aim to give
chattels, plant and equipment. Certified members are
a greater voice and representation to the Victorian
required to demonstrate knowledge, skills, experience
members and it is also a wonderful opportunity for
and to adhere to the Association’s professional and
Leonard Joel to be an active and visual presence within
ethical standards. Corporate members must adhere to
the AVAA community.
their guidelines as well as demonstrate that client funds are held in trust and demonstrate regular auditing. They are an important and active industry body adhering to international valuing standards and promote their
Please feel free to contact me to discuss any valuation requirements you might have, or to learn more about the AVAA.
members to be the best in the field through ongoing
CAROLINE TICKNER / Head of Valuations
education and commitment to imparting information and
caroline.tickner@leonardjoel.com.au
updates relevant to the auctioneering and valuing fields. The AVAA has been pivotal in providing a voice and advice to its members and the broader community for many years. This year they have demonstrated their professionalism and strength by advocating for their members at a national and state level to be represented in the decisions impacting all of us in COVID.
28 | leonardjoel.com.au
— PROFILE —
Thinking of Selling?
Important Jewels
—
NOW CONSIGNING FOR AUCTION ENQUIRIES | Hamish Sharma, Head of Important Jewels 0422 157 497 | hamish.sharma@leonardjoel.com.au
AN AMAZING PLATINUM AND DIAMOND BRACELET, CIRCA 1930 Sold for $187,500
leonardjoel.com.au
Under The Hammer
In this feature, we share one of the rare, beautiful and extraordinary pieces to pass through our doors in The Thursday Auction since the last issue. This vibrant vintage poster from the 1950s caught our eye when it came up for auction at the start of Spring, promising warm weather and refreshing aperitivi in the months ahead. Campari’s pursuit of a sophisticated brand profile saw them approach the most sought-after designers of the 1920s and onwards to create their now iconic posters. The pre-mixed Campari Soda was first produced in 1932, sold in its recognisable single-serve bottle designed by Italian Futurist Fortunato Depero. The design was described as an “upside down goblet”, and we can see the parallel clearly in Mingozzi’s poster. Cin Cin! A ‘CAMPARI SODA MINGOZZI’ POSTER BY GIOVANNI MINGOZZI, 1950 Sold for $2,250
Vintage and Collectors Guitars: A Single Owner Online Auction — Featuring fine and unique guitars selected from an Australian private collection, offered for sale at auction for the first time in thirty years. THURSDAY 5 NOVEMBER, 2PM CATALOGUE AVAILABLE TO VIEW ONLINE WEDNESDAY 21 OCTOBER
Contact Guy Cairnduff objects.manager@leonardjoel.com.au 03 8825 5604
A Gibson SJ-200 Bob Dylan ‘Collector's Edition’, Signed by Bob Dylan, Number 131 of an Edition of 175, 2015 Estimate: $25,000 - 35,000
30 | leonardjoel.com.au
A unique Tony Zemaitis (1935-2002) ‘Custom Deluxe’ 40th Anniversary Heart Hole Acoustic Guitar, Signed by Tony Zemaitis, 1995 Estimate: $60,000 - 70,000
— PROFILE —
leonardjoel.com.au | 31
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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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Browse Browse our online auction catalogues or view in person at one of our salerooms.
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
32 | leonardjoel.com.au
Contact a Leonard Joel team member or stop by a saleroom if you have any questions.
— JOIN US —
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 Julie Foster, Head of Department 03 8825 5618 | julie.foster@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 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 Rebecca Stormont 03 8825 5655 | objects.assistant@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
The Thursday Auction Specialists — ART SALON Hannah Ryan 03 8825 5630 | hannah.ryan@leonardjoel.com.au FURNITURE Nick Bastiras 03 8825 5640 | furniture@leonardjoel.com.au JEWELLERY SALON Maria Walker 03 8825 5621 | maria.walker@leonardjoel.com.au OBJECTS & COLLECTABLES Rebecca Stormont 03 8825 5655 | objects.assistant@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 Nicole Kenning, Consultant 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
LEFT: A RARE 18TH CENTURY EBONISED BRACKET CLOCK WITH CARILLON AND BIRD AUTOMATON Sold for $43,400
This document has been produced to international environmental management standard ISO14001 by a certified green printing company.
— PROFILE —
34 | leonardjoel.com.au
