leonard, issue 32, september 2014

Issue THIRTYTWO / SEPTEMBER 2014 MELBOURNE / SYDNEY

SYDNEY

By Appointment

39 Queen Street,

Woollahra, New South Wales 2025

Australia

Tel: +61 (0) 2 9362 9045

Fax: +61 (0) 3 9826 4544

MELBOURNE

Primary Salerooms

333 Malvern Road,

South Yarra, Victoria 3141

Australia

Tel: +61 (0) 3 9826 4333

Fax: +61 (0) 3 9826 4544

CONNECT WITH US

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

CoverFine Jewellery Auction Monday 15 September at 6pm Melbourne

Lot 193A LATE VICTORIAN DIAMOND PENDANT$40,000 - 60,000

Purportedly originally owned by the former British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli

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M A R G A R E T R I V E R

Leonard Joel Specialists

PHOTOgRaPHY

Rick Merrie

DesIgneR

Maria Rossi

ManagIng DIReCTOR

naTIOnaL HeaD OF COLLeCTIOns

John albrecht, Managing Director

& Head of Collections

Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5619

Email [email protected]

CLassIC FuRnITuRe & ObjeCTs

sIngLe OWneR COLLeCTIOns

Guy Cairnduff, Head of Classic Furniture & Objects

& Head of The Specialist Collector

Phone +61 (0) 3 8825 5611


jeWeLLeRY

Robert Haigh, Manager & Jewellery Specialist

Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5618


jeWeLLeRY & PRe–OWneD LuxuRY

John D’agata, National Head of Jewellery

& Sydney Office

Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5605


CReaTIVe DIReCTOR

Monique Le Grand

Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5620


aCCOunTs

Susan Saunders, Head of Finance & Administration

Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5603


COLLeCTIbLes

Giles Moon, Consultant

Phone + 61 (0) 439 493 038


aRT

Sophie Ullin, Head of Art

Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5609


sYDneY RePResenTaTIVe

Robert Williams, Sydney

Phone + 61 (0) 2 9362 9045


VInTage InTeRIORs & MODeRn DesIgn

anna Grassham, Vintage Interiors Manager

& Modern Design Specialist

Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5614


bOOKs & ManusCRIPTs

Chiara Curcio, Specialist, Classic Furniture

& Objects, Books and Manuscripts

Phone + 61 (0) 3 8825 5635


MAY WE INTRODUCE OURSELVESWhether 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.

COnTenTs

sEPtEmBEr contEnts

FOREWORD 2

NEWS 4

CaLENDaR 5

YOSL BERGNER SCULPTURES 6

FINE aRT 8

a LaTE vICTORIaN DIaMOND

PENDaNT 10

INaUGURaL SYDNEY aUCTION 12

FINE JEWELLERY 14

CLaSSIC FURNITURE & OBJECTS 16

vINTaGE INTERIORS 18

MODERN DESIGN 19

COLLECTIBLES ENTRIES INvITED 20

vaULT 21

FROM SINGLE ITEMS TO COLLECTIONS

If you have a single item or collection you wish to sell, the Leonard Joel team of specialists can guide you through the entire valuation and auction process. We can provide you with experts across all collecting fi elds, no less than thirteen categories of auction to select from and the most expansive calendar of catalogue auctions in Australia. Leonard Joel specialists conduct insurance and market valuations for the entire spectrum of clients - private collectors, corporations, museums, fi duciaries and government entities are advised by our valuers and specialists on a daily basis.

THINKING OF SELLING?

WHERE CaN I FIND LEONaRD?

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 offi ces at

the start of every month. But don’t delay as copies run out quickly!

This month Leonard Joel valuers will be visiting clients in Caulfield.

DISCOVERY MONTH

valuation Enquiries | Melbourne 03 9826 4333 | Sydney 02 9362 9045 | [email protected]

Discovered in SydneyThis intricately decorated 18carat gold open face pocket watch sold

for more than double its low estimate for $3,660 IBP.

1 SEPTEMBERLEoNARD

FOReWORD

A PAIR OF STRAITS CHINESE ROSEWOOD AND MOTHER OF PEARL INLAID ARMCHAIRS LATE 19TH CENTURY

Sold $7,320 IBP

2SEPTEMBER LEONARD

On Sunday August 24th I had the absolute

pleasure of auctioning at our first Sydney

auction. I had never auctioned within a hotel

before and I must say it was fun and it felt

glamorous – I look forward to the next one!

At first glance one could easily be forgiven

for thinking that our extended commitment

now to the Sydney market is great for Sydney

but “no big deal” for Melbourne; but I’d beg

to differ. With Leonard Joel now committing

to quarterly fine catalogue auctions in

Sydney we further strengthen and augment

the successful buying and selling that can be

done between the two states. Some simple

facts might assist this discussion. Growing

our buyer base in Sydney introduces a wider

audience to every lot we sell – Sydney clients

don’t just buy from Sydney catalogues they

buy from all our offerings. Equally, Sydney

sellers can enjoy an expanded Melbourne

collecting base and Melbourne buyers will

enjoy the expanded offering also. Both

buyers and sellers in each state also enjoy

our live online bidding platform that in

essence connects every seller with every

online buyer. In many ways I see the Sydney,

Melbourne and online environments as

completing a perfect coverage of the two

biggest markets for antiques, jewellery and

art in the country and with the added benefit

of connectivity with buyers from around the

world. Add to this an auction house with 95

years of unrivalled experience across every

fine category and I believe we have once

again with Leonard Joel a grand full-service

auctioneer for every collector, great and

small.

95 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN MELBOURNE AND SYDNEY

FOReWORD

JOHN aLBRECHT

MANAGING DIRECTOR

& NATIONAL HEAD OF COLLECTIONS

3 SEPTEMBERLEONARD

To be offered at theFine Jewellery Auction Monday 15 September at 6pm

142 AN EARLY OPEN FACED MUSICAL REPEATER POCKET WATCH $4,000 - 6,000

WHaT IS a WaTCH?

neWs

WHAT is a watch? Technically it’s a small machine that makes sure we’re not

late. Emotionally, it can represent status, reveal something about ourselves,

or be a timeless love token. With more than 250 colour images, the focus of

this fascinating book are 77 watches out of the 4,5000 collection that spans

fi ve hundred years - from the sixteenth century, right through to contemporary

timepieces worn today.

Ironically, pinpointing exactly when the watch was invented is impossible, but

author David Thompson says there is evidence to suggest that it may have been

in northern Italy towards the end of the fi fteenth century.

In 1512 Joannes Cocleus referred to a man who made objects “that astonished

the most learned mathematicians; out of very little iron he assembled timepieces

with many wheels”.

In the 1600s German Johann Conrad Wolf made a watch in the form of a tiny

skull, a fashionable memento mori popular in the day. With the inscription, “vita

fugitur” (life is fl eeting) the two pieces of the skull operate on a hinge that allows

the pieces to open and close.

Another remarkably decorative timepiece was made by Irishman John Travel in

1816. The Silver Cased Verge Watch features a detailed representation of a train

passing in front of a bridge. Clearly a slave to detail, the artist has even included

glimpses of passengers sitting on the train.

Fast forward to the 1930s, the name Rolex is about to become synonymous with

watch making around the globe and dominate the industry.

Written a lively and engaging way, David Thompson relays enthusiasm for his

subject, without bogging the reader down in too many obscure details. Watches

is a fascinating, beautifully illustrated book about an everyday object that

continues to intrigue.

Frances Atkinson for My Bookshop By Corrie Perkin

WaTCHES

By David Thompson

The British Museum, $35

Corrie Perkin is the owner of My Bookshop By Corrie Perkin,

513 Malvern Road, Hawksburn www.mybookshop.net.au Leonard Joel is a proud supporter of Arts Project Australia

LEONARD JOEL PROUDLY SUPPORTS

aRTS PROJECT aUSTRaLIa

The Leonard Joel series, in conjunction with Arts Project Australia, now in its

fourth year provides an opportunity to feature a single artist from the talented

pool of creative individuals that drive this unique art studio in Northcote, Victoria.

When I review the retrospective within these pages and write the foreword it is

always a treat for me because I have the fortunate task of writing from the heart

about what my eyes tell me rather than the pressure of an academic response to

the exhibition at hand. I am not an art historian, I am an amateur critic and I do

love immersing myself in challenging art imagery. The Arts Project Australia artists

always deliver a challenge and for me also delight! And this year Julian Martin’s

collection of some seventy works is no exception. My fi rst inspection of the works

is so satisfying on four fronts – his bold use of block colour, his playful range of

subject matter, the breadth of his colour palette and his fi gurative abstraction

make this exhibition for me an immensely satisfying one. My favourites? There

are always several and here I will restrict my highlights to fi ve. Not titled (green

animal) reminds me of something the artist Coburn might have contemplated

when he was in a less formal mood and the three works from the Not titled shape

series (51, 52 and 43) I fi nd haunting in their uncomplicated use of colour and

structure. Finally, I keep coming back to what for reminds me of a Rothko; 0045

Not titled (yellow and brown) and again, its bold use of colour and structure is

what underpins its attraction to me. In reality favourites are diffi cult to discern

when the survey is as comprehensive and deep as this one; both stylistically and

in terms of the myriad narratives within this artist’s collection. So put simply I’m

left immensely satisfi ed after walking through this collection and similarly proud

to be lending Leonard Joel’s support to this extraordinary artist and this important

institution.

John Albrecht

Managing Director and Proprietor

4SEPTEMBER LEoNARD

Forthcoming Auctions

CaLenDaR

Auctions and viewing times are subject to change.

The vintage Interiors auction Every ThursdayFurniture & Interiors – 10am Jewellery & Wristwatches – 10.30am Art – 11.30am Books – 12pm Objects & Collectibles – 12pm 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

Fine Jewellery auction Monday 15th September 2014 – 6pm 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

Fine art auction Tuesday 16th September 2014 – 6.30pm 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

Cameras & Photography auction Thursday 25th September 2014 – 12pm 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

Collectibles including Militaria auction Thursday 25th September 2014 – 1.30pm 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

arts Project australia auction Monday 6th October 2014 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

Pre-Owned Luxury auction Thursday 9th October 2014 – 1pm 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

aboriginal art & artefacts auction Thursday 16th October 2014 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

Classic Furniture & Objects auction Sunday 26th October 2014 – 12pm 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

Modern Design auction Thursday 6th November 2014 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

Collectibles including Movie Posters auction November 2014 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

Jewels & Objets D’art auction Sunday 16th November 2014 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

BID LIvE ONLINE

CHaRITYaUCTION

SYDNEYaUCTION

BUY NOTHING NEW MONTH

THE NEW JONESES

Buy Nothing New Month is the global movement for collective, conscientious

consumption.

The little idea that started in Melbourne, has spread across the world, with

pledgers from Newtown to New York, South Africa to South America.

In 2011, the Sydney Morning Herald Business section ran a poll asking “is Buy

Nothing New Month a good idea?” Over 10,000 voted. 82% said “yes”.

It’s a one month challenge to buy nothing new (with the exception of essentials

like food, hygiene and medicines)

Buy Nothing New Month isn’t Buy Nothing New Ever Again. Nor is it about going

without.

A bit like FebFast or Dry July encourages us to rethink our boozing, it’s a one

month detox on unnecessary consumption that gets us to ask ourselves, “Do I

really need it?” “can I get it second-hand, borrow, swap or rent it? “What are my

alternatives?”

It’s about thinking where our stuff comes from (finite resources) and where it goes

when we’re done (often landfill).

In the UK, they will run out of landfill space by 2018.

Repeat. In the UK in 4 years, they will have nowhere left for their rubbish.

This October, get onboard and check out the fantastic alternatives to extend

the life of existing goods (like buying second hand, swapping, sharing or buying

experiences over more ‘stuff’.)

It’s easy, creative and fun. It’s moving from consumption-driven to community-

driven.

It’s good for us, our wallets our people and our planet.

Hop on board! - See more at: http://www.buynothingnew.com.au/

5 SEPTEMBERLEONARD

YOsL beRgneR sCuLPTuRes

“I am a painter, not an artist. A painter is a profession, like a carpenter.” Yosl Bergner

This statement from the celebrated Australian-Israeli artist was accurate until Bergner turned 90 years of age because in 2010 he moved beyond the realm of painting and began constructing extraordinary sculptures.

On the 13th of October Yosl Bergner will celebrate his 94th birthday and it marks a half a century ago since he dreamt of and conceived the stories for his sculptural works in his over-active brain. In the 1960s Yosl found that to depict three dimensional images within a painting as a mechanism to tell a story was not considered de rigueur - Yosl however, before becoming an artist, was always a story-teller and it was through sculpture that he found this opportunity to share these stories.

Yosl’s heroes were and remain wooden horses with childlike jockeys, musicians, children with kites, with masks and apples, a couple with butterflies full of dreams and a butterfly catcher full of hope. These characters and others, as Dr. Gideon Ofrat explains in his exhibition catalogue of Bergner’s sculptures in Haifa, Israel: “... have spread among countless paintings since then-returning to the paint whence they came. Now, in their reincarnation as sculptures, they are still paintings cast in bronze, only now it seems that gathering these sculptured “Yosls” together between 2010 and 2014 is more loaded, emotional and touching. This party seems to be a hybrid between a reunion and a farewell party...”

Ofrat suggests there is an existential message within these works: ”The 93 year old Bergner is saying YES to life from the depth of their ephemeral, tragic-comical essence. Bergner says this in the “be that as it may”, in the spirit of ‘joie de vivre’ and in his surprising reincarnation as a sculptor at such a venerable age.”

Thirteen of the sculptures within this current survey have never been exhibited before and ten of them are uniquely produced as a 1/1 edition; a rare collecting opportunity.

As Yosl approaches his 94th birthday he remains unchanged as a spirited artist and I hope he never will.

Shaike SnirDan Gallery representative in Australia.

“THE PARTY”YOSL BERGNERSCULPTURES

PREVIEW CONTACT

333 Malvern Road, South Yarra Melbourne vIC 31413 - 5 September 10am - 4pm6 - 7 September 12pm - 4pm8 - 14 September 10am - 4pm

Sophie Ullin, Head of Art(03) 8825 5609 / 0413 912 307

[email protected]

Please note that the price for editioned works is tiered. Once the early editions are sold, then the asking price is elevated to the next bracket. This information can be provided upon request.

All sculptures are accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist

In partnership with Dan Gallery Israel

Yosl Bergner at work creating his sculptures

6SEPTEMBER LEONARD

YOsL beRgneR sCuLPTuRes

5 Girl with Stone Kite 2013bronze135cm height edition of 5$21,000

12The Butterfly Lovers 2012bronze52cm heightunique state 1/1$16,500

14The Cellist 2012bronze46cm height unique state 1/1$15,000

9Father and Son 2012bronze40cm heightunique state 1/1$16,000

7 SEPTEMBERLEONARD

FIne aRT

FINE ART PREVIEW

108MIKE PARR (born 1945)The Umbrella of Glass (Fading) (red) 1981-1993cibachrome photograph184 x 127cm $5,000 - 7,000

2LEONARD FRENCH (born 1928)Study for Death of a General 1976mixed media on board42 x 48.5 cm$4,500 - 6,500 © reproduced with the permission of VISCOPY Ltd

122NEIL MCIRVINE (born 1959)

Matt Preston with Caravaggio Still Life 2005oil on canvas122 x 183cm

$3,500 - 4,500

8SEPTEMBER LEONARD

FIne aRT

FINE ART PREVIEW

The Fine art auctionTuesday 16 September 2014, 6.30pm

PreviewWednesday 10 September 2014 9am - 8pm Thursday 11 September 2014 10am - 4pm Friday 12 September 2014 10am - 4pm Saturday 13 September 2014 10am - 5pm

Sunday 14 September 2014 10am - 5pmMonday 15 September 2014 By AppointmentTuesday 16 September 2014 By Appointment

EnquiriesSophie UllinHead of Art(03) 8825 5609 / 0413 912 307 [email protected]

55DEAN BOWEN (born 1957)Aeroplane Boy 2004bronze, ed. 4/691 x 248 x 35cm $10,000 - 15,000 © reproduced with the permission of VISCOPY Ltd

9 5 Y E A R S O F A R TThis year, Leonard Joel’s 95th as an

auctioneer and my first year as Head of

Art at this Australian icon, marks almost a

century of fine art transacting. It will be lost

on younger generations that this auction

house made the impossible happen

when in 1988 we sold the first painting

in Australia for more than $1,000,000.

The painting was a grand Impressionist

work by Rupert Bunny, its dimensions

were Rubinesque and the subject matter

was pure elegance. It also reflected the

prevailing taste for more traditional

subject matter and genre. My how things

have changed! Only a few decades ago

the Moderns, such as Nolan, Boyd and

Tucker seemed avant garde. Now? Well

some refer to them as traditionals! The

constant in all of this for me is that Leonard

Joel has inevitably adapted to these

changing tastes while retaining its eclectic

appetite for all fine art periods. It seems

to me that in 2014 a street art auction, a

contemporary art sale or even the estate

of Pro Hart sits as comfortably at Leonard

Joel as any of the “traditional” fine art

categories. With this in mind I thought I

would share with you three works, from

three periods that found their way to us

for this September art auction – it begins

with, well a classic work and ends with

a contemporary one. Gazing at Clarice

Beckett’s Eternity (lot 78), I am reminded

how her atmospheric landscapes always

succeed in happily transporting my mind

elsewhere. The joyful Billabong (lot 17) by

Henri Bastin is close to my heart having

grown up in a home overflowing with

naïve art. I would also welcome Dean

Bowen’s Aeroplane Boy (lot 55 ) as an

additional member of my family: he is

full of character but would ask for little

in return. But these are just three works

amongst a reassuringly eclectic mix of

works from so many periods and regions

and in a time when so many art catalogues

seem too sparse, too manicured and a

little dry I love the fact that I represent an

art department that at its heart enjoys an

eclectic and contemporary sensibility.

I look forward to welcoming you at our

viewing in our South Yarra rooms.

Sophie Ullin, Head of Art

9 SEPTEMBERLEONARD

A LATE VICTORIAN DIAMOND PENDANT

a LaTe VICTORIan DIaMOnD PenDanT

It was one of those jaw

dropping moments………

when the box opened and we

all gasped.

A humble country gentleman

presented a pale green velvet box and

apprehensively slid it across the desk. The

item had been in the family for many years,

held by his mother who had passed away ten years

earlier and it was now in his possession.

The unassuming box, a twenty fifth wedding anniversary

gift, presented on 25th April 1888, was opened to reveal a

magnificent belle époque diamond pendant.

Characteristic of the era, the pendant has a bow surmount suspending

a garland style diamond drop.

The most unique, rare and captivating feature of the pendant was the octahedral

faceted diamond suspended in the centre of the garland. A most difficult shape

to calculate the weight of, ultimately estimated at 12.5carats.

What has been most interesting was the reported history of the piece,

believed to have been owned originally by the late Benjamin Disraeli

(former prime minister of England).

William Robertson (29 March 1839 – 23 June 1892) was a

barrister and politician in colonial Victoria.

William Robertson’s father was also William Robertson, one of

the great pioneers of western Victoria. William Senior emigrated

to Hobart, Tasmania, from his native Scotland in 1822 with his

brother John and together they engaged in pastoral pursuits at

Campbelltown, outside Hobart, before establishing their merchant’s

business, Robertson Brothers, with premises in Hobart and

Launceston. William Snr married Margaret Whyte in 1831 and their

son William was born in 1839, the third of their seven children.

Following reports from explorers on the extensive grazing

country of western Victoria, William Snr was quick to join the

Port Phillip Association in 1834 and to finance the opening

up of the land around Port Phillip Bay through expeditions

mounted by John Batman in 1835. His early land allocations

by Batman were disallowed by the then Governor in Sydney but

he was quick to buy land at auction near what is now known as

Sunbury. Subsequently, while returning overland from a visit to his

wife’s family near Portland in about 1840, he was so impressed by the

quality of the land around the Warrion Hills near Colac that he purchased

large tracts around Lake Colac including a property owned by Capt Foster Fyans

and its fledgling herd of cattle bearing the “FF” brand.

In 1852, William Snr closed his business in Hobart to concentrate on his pastoral pursuits

in western Victoria. He divided his time between Colac and Hobart and with Margaret’s

help they set about establishing “home” just outside Colac. William already owned

a small homestead called Corangamorah, nicely sited on a hillside overlooking Lake

Colac and it was here that they ultimately built a fine mansion known as The Hill which

they moved into in 1862 following an extended trip to England and Scotland between

1957 and 1859 to buy stud animals for the FF herd, furniture and furnishings for the new

mansion and to establish their sons in school, college and university.

Against that background of family movements, William and Margaret’s second son

William was educated at the High School in Hobart, briefly at the newly established

Geelong Grammar

School in 1856 and finally at

Wadham College, Oxford, from

1857 where he graduated B.A. in

1861. He was called to the Bar at the

Middle Temple in January 1863. While at

Oxford he rowed in the Oxford and Cambridge

annual boat race on the Thames in 1861, and was

one of the winning crew, being the first of several

young Australians who have taken part in the great inter-

university race.

While in England, the young William Robertson met and

subsequently married Martha Mary, second daughter of J. R. Murphy,

another successful pioneer from Melbourne who had retired back to

England with his family.

In 1863 William and Martha returned to Victoria, where William was admitted

to the Bar in the following year. For several years he practised as a barrister in

Melbourne, but at the General Election of 1871 he became a candidate for

the electorate of Plowarth and South Grenville (the Colac area) and was

returned by a large majority, but when the Parliament expired in 1872

he did not offer himself for re-election. He stood again in 1881,

and sat till 1886. His father died in January 1874 and the Colac

estate was inherited by his four sons. John; George Pringle,

James and William who continued to run the property under

the old family name of Robertson Brothers. Before their father’s

death, William’s brothers had each built their own fine mansions

on the estate, two of which survive today, while William and Martha

continued to live in The Hill.

In 1886 the resignation of Caleb Jenner caused a vacancy in the

representation of the South Western Province in the Victorian Legislative

Council. William put his name forward and was returned without

opposition. In 1888 he obtained leave of absence to make a trip to

England with his family and this coincided with his term of office

expiring.

The new Robertson Brothers became famous throughout Australia

for the great annual sales of shorthorn cattle. Under William Snr,

the herd had been kept perfectly pure, and in 1875 the brothers

began a series of annual drafts from their herd, which were

submitted at auction year by year and realised almost fabulous

prices. On each occasion stock-breeders flocked to Colac from all the

Australian colonies, New Zealand, and Tasmania. At one sale the prices

paid aggregated upwards of £30,000, and at another the total receipts were

£25,800. On one occasion the firm purchased from the estate of the late Richard

Morton thirty-seven prime shorthorns, known previously as the Mount Derrimut herd, for

£27,000, the sum of £2,500 being paid for one of the bulls: Oxford Cherry Duke. The

last sale of the regular series took place in 1884, and in 1885 the famous “FF” herd was

dispersed and the partnership dissolved. The eldest brother, John, had already died

in 1876, George Pringle had moved to Europe with his family and James was largely

running the partnership on his own while William attended his parliamentary duties.

William Robertson died at Colac on 24 June 1892.

William and Martha’s eldest son, William St. Leonards Robertson, was also educated

at Oxford, and during his stay there was also in the winning crew in the annual boat

race against Cambridge. After leaving university, his friendship with one of the sons of

the jewellers, Messrs. Streeter, of London, led to him spending some time at Broome,

10SEPTEMBER LEONARD

A LATE VICTORIAN DIAMOND PENDANT

a LaTe VICTORIan DIaMOnD PenDanT

To be offered at the Fine Jewellery Auction Monday 15th September at 6pmLot 193A LATE VICTORIAN DIAMOND PENDANT$40,000 - 60,000Purportedly originally owned by the former British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli

Western Australia, involved in the pearl fishing industry, but he returned to Victoria after

his father died and ultimately pursued a long and distinguished career in the military.

Edwin William Streeter (1834-1923) worked for Harry Emanuel before setting up on

his own account in 1867/8 in Conduit Street. He moved in 1873 to Harry Emanuel’s

old premises in New Bond Street where he described himself as ‘Diamond merchant,

Goldsmith, Jeweller, Watchmaker’. He took a particular interest in precious stones.

Although he announced his retirement in 1884 and sold off much of his stock, he did not

retire but admitted partners into his business which was now restyled Streeter & Co and

became a limited liability company in 1895 as Streeter & Co Ltd. By 1904 E W Streeter

finally retired and the premises and goodwill were transferred to the United Investment

Corporation and the remaining stock was sold at Christie’s.

The research conducted concluded a strong connection between the Streeter family and

the Robertson family with the Robertson’s hosting royal visits to Australia, the connection

being most likely resulting from Oxford University. Edwin Streeter was a known jeweller

to the royal family (Queen Victoria) and Queen Victoria was known to be great friends

with Benjamin Disraeli.

Somehow, it all ties in.

EnquiriesJohn D’Agata | Nation Head of Jewellery & Sydney OfficeSydney (02) 9362 9045 | Melbourne (03) 8825 5605 | Mobile 0408 355 339 [email protected]

George Streeter (centre) with members of the Robertson family on a holiday in Germany in 1887.Photograph courtesy of the Robertson Family archive.

Western District pioneer, William Robertson (in top hat), stands proudly in front of his newly constructed homestead "The Hill" near Colac c1865.Photograph courtesy of the Robertson Family archive.

From left: Connie, William St Leonards, Dolly, William, Martha, John Ernest and Beatrice.Photograph courtesy of the Robertson Family archive.

11 SEPTEMBERLEONARD

InauguRaL sYDneY auCTIOn

A D I S T I N C T LY I N T E R N AT I O N A L F L AV O U R F O R I N A U G U R A L S Y D N E Y A U C T I O NA distinctly international flavour dominated proceedings at the inaugural Leonard

Joel Sydney auction. On Sunday afternoon at the Intercontinental Hotel, and after 95

years in the making, Leonard Joel hosted its first fine catalogue auction in Sydney.

The catalogue represented every category and in many ways it resembled the eclectic

grand catalogues that went out of fashion when auctioneers began streamlining their

offerings – in this sense it was a visual feast and a satisfyingly diverse sale.

Sydney clients entrusted Leonard Joel with the sale of important jewellery, rare objects

and interesting international art. The auction began sensationally when lot 4, a French

silver box by Jean Emile Puiforcat with an estimate of $3,000, realised a staggering

$19,520 (IBP). Connoisseur collecting continued when a Grand Tour Victorian specimen

table, lot 11, sold for $21,960 (IBP) and an extremely rare Arts and Crafts enamel and

silver bowl of Newcastle origin, lot 136, realised $29,280 (IBP).

Asian arts continued its stellar run with a pair of 19th century rosewood inlaid chairs, lot

178, that more than quadrupled their estimate to sell for $7,320 (IBP) and the theme

continued when an exquisite green jade and diamond necklace, lot 373, sold for $9,760

(IBP). Other fine jewellery highlights included an impressive sapphire and diamond ring,

lot 361, that realised $48,800 (IBP) - the superb oval cut centre blue sapphire weighed

more than 5 carats and combined with its intense blue colouring truly dazzled bidders.

While only a small collection of international art was on offer, lot 65, a monumental

bronze bust of Beethoven by the French artist Emile Antoine Bourdelle, more than

doubled its low estimate and realised $43,920 (IBP).

John D’Agata, Head of Sydney Office, commented: “We are delighted with the result;

we budgeted modestly. We are here for the long haul and we would have been happy

with a $400,000 auction. We have already surpassed the half million dollar mark and we

are honestly in celebration. I’m thrilled that Sydney has supported us in this fashion and

I really look forward to developing our full service expertise in NSW.”

Enquiries

John D’Agata | Nation Head of Jewellery & Sydney Office

Sydney (02) 9362 9045 | Melbourne (03) 8825 5605 | Mobile 0408 355 339

[email protected]

Now coNsigNiNg JEwELs & oBJETs D’ART foR AUcTioN 16 NoVEMBER 2014

AN ART DECO STYLE JADE AND DIAMOND NECKLACE

Sold $9,760 IBP

AN IMPRESSIVE SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND RING

Sold $48,800 IBP

ÉMILE ANTOINE BOURDELLE (French, 1861-1929) CIRCA 1925

Sold $43,920 IBP

12SEPTEMBER LEONARD

InauguRaL sYDneY auCTIOn

JEAN EMILE PUIFORCAT 1897-1945, LARGE FRENCH SILVER BOX, PARIS CIRCA 1925

Sold $19,520 IBP

A FINE, EARLY VICTORIAN, MICRO MOSIAC AND SPECIMIN MARBLE TOPPED CENTRE TABLE, CIRCA 1840

Sold $21,960 IBP

A SILVER AND ENAMEL BOWL

Sold $29,280 IBP

13 SEPTEMBERLEONARD

FIne jeWeLLeRY

The Fine Jewellery auctionMonday 15 September 2014, 6.30pm

Preview in Sydney39 Queen Street, WoollahraFriday 5 September 2014 10am - 4pmSaturday 6 September 2014 10am - 4pmSunday 7 September 2014 10am - 4pm

Preview in MelbourneWednesday 10 September 2014 9am - 8pm Thursday 11 September 2014 10am - 4pm Friday 12 September 2014 10am - 4pm Saturday 13 September 2014 10am - 5pm Sunday 14 September 2014 10am - 5pm

EnquiriesJohn D’AgataHead of Jewellery(03) 8825 5605 / 0408 355 339 [email protected]

FINE JEWELLERY PREVIEW

30 A GOLD PENDANTBY BULGARI $1,400 - 2,000

27 A PAIR OF DIAMOND EARRINGS BY TIFFANY & CO $1,200 - 1,800

20 A DIAMOND BANGLE BY TIFFANY & CO $1,400 - 1,800

One should never underestimate the calibre of jewellery

items that may present themselves on the Australian

market. To consign an original piece of antique jewellery

in its original box is always exciting. When that box is

applied with a personally inscribed plaque with links to

Australian and British historical figures it makes it all the

more interesting. Would the Jewellers ‘Streeter & Co’

have ever imagined that one of their finest creations

would end up in a Fine Jewellery auction at Leonard

Joel in Australia in the year 2014? Probably not! The

beautiful briolette pendant necklace, lot 193 in our

auction, has the same ‘wow’ factor today as it did more

than one hundred years ago when it was created. No

mean feat and a compliment to the firm that ceased

operation early last century. I was totally blown away

when it was handed to me for the first time. Before I

even opened the box I knew that I was going to see

something special. Never taking anything for granted,

I was flattered that our vendor chose Leonard Joel

and trusted our long history of selling rare jewels. It

is in good company amongst the wonderful collection

of jewellery presented in this catalogue. For further

information on any of these items the jewellery team

and I are always happy to assist with your enquiries. We

look forward to welcoming you at the viewing.

John D’Agata

National Head of Jewellery & Sydney Office

21 A TRIO OF RINGS BY TIFFANY & CO $1,000 - 1,500

14SEPTEMBER LEONARD

FIne jeWeLLeRY

96 A DIAMOND RING $40,000 - 50,000

102 A PINK DIAMOND RING $30,000 - 40,000

224 AN IMPRESSIVE DIAMOND RING BY PAUL BRAM $100,000 - 120,000

200 A BLUE DIAMOND RING $12,000 - 16,000

15 SEPTEMBERLEONARD


CLASSICFURNITURE

& OBJECTSAUCTION

A. Testi (XIX-XX, Italian)CLEOPATRACarrara marble, raised on a verde antico marble plinth, incised signatures A. Testi verso and Galerie P. Bazzanti, Florence, the figure 87 cm high; the plinth 100.5cm high$120,000 - $180,000

S U N D AY 2 6 O C T O B E R AT 1 2 P M

16SEPTEMBER LEONARD


AN IMPRESSIVE MATCHED SET OF FOUR PATINATED IRON NUBIAN FIGURES ON STANDSeach naturalistically modelled, holding aloft a torchere, (one figure missing the torchere), the figures measuring 133-142cm high; each pedestal 103cm high$50,000 - $75,000

17 SEPTEMBERLEONARD

VInTage InTeRIORs

VINTAGE INTERIORS

LES ENFANTS TERRIBLES, FIRST EDITION, SIGNED BY KAMIL GIZYCKI (1893-1968)$500 - 700


enquiries

Chiara Curcio, Specialist Classic Furniture & Objects and Books & Manuscripts

(03) 8825 5635 | [email protected]

BOOKS & EPHEMERAWANTED FOR AUCTION

CAMERAS & PHOTOGRAPHY

AUCTION THURSDAY 25 SEPTEMBER AT 12PMAUSTRALIAN & THE PACIFIC

WANTED FOR AUCTION

enquiries

Sasa Mitic, Objects, Books & Collectibles Manager

(03) 8825 5604 | [email protected]


18SEPTEMBER LEONARD

MODeRn DesIgn

Enquiries

anna Grassham, Modern Design Specialist & Vintage Interiors Manager

(03) 8825 5614 / [email protected]

MODERN DESIGN

GRANT FEATHERSTON (AUSTRALIAN,1922-1995) R160 CONTOUR ARMCHAIR AND FOOTSTOOL

Sold $5,124 IBP

WANTEDFOR AUCTION

SCHULIM KRIMPER,GRANT FEATHERSTON,CLEMENT MEADMORE,MID-CENTURY TEXTILES

& OBJECTS

19 SEPTEMBERLEONARD

COLLeCTIbLes enTRIes InVITeD

COLLECTIBLES INCLUDING MOVIE POSTERS

ENTRIES INvITED

G I L E S M O O N D I S C U S S E S F I V E O F H I S FAV O U R I T E C O L L E C T I B L E S S O L D AT L E O N A R D J O E L

an exceptionally rare airzone Symphony Leader with a unique marbelised white and brown case - sold for $26,400 IBP in 2010.

This colour was never put into production and this is the only known example. It is possibly a one-off factory sample. This radio was the highlight of a remarkable private collection of more than 500 predominantly Australian and American radios that was sold in 2 parts in 2010 and 2011.

an autographed Press Reception Invitation for the Beatles’ 1964 australian Tour - sold for $12,000 IBP, 2011.

Beatles autographs are highly prized by collectors, even more so when they are connected to a particular event. This set was obtained by the private secretary to the Australian High Commissioner in London. Although he apparently disapproved of the group he acquired the signatures for his 16 year old daughter who was a huge fan but was not allowed to attend the event.

The Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund Sword of 50 Pound value to Lieutenant Charlies Menzies of H.M.S. Minerva/1806 - sold for $91,500.

This spectacular sword was presented to Lt. Menzies in recognition of his acts of bravery fighting in the Napoleonic Wars. He is, in fact, better known in Australia, for founding a settlement in NSW with a group of convicts which became Newcastle.

an Important Live Steam Model of the Charlotte Dundas – the first navigable steam ship - sold for $84,000 IBP in 2014.

The Charlotte Dundas was built under the direction of William Symington and successfully pulled 2 laden vessels on a Scottish canal in 1803. The model is believed to have been constructed from timbers taken from the actual ship after it was scrapped in the 1860s

a rare Pre-war Trade Box for six Dinky 28/1 Delivery vans – sold for $14,400 IBP.

These early promotional diecast models were produced by English firm Dinky in the late 1930s and advertised famous brands such as Kodak and Oxo. When the models were produced Dinky encountered problems with casting which often caused these models to fatigue and fracture. Collectors are therefore willing to pay premium prices for any examples in good condition.

EnquiriesGiles Moon, Consultant0439 493 038 [email protected]

20SEPTEMBER LEONARD

VauLT

ART COLLECTOR:THEODORE WOHNGHaving amassed an extensive collection that traverses Australian and international visual art, architecture, literature, music and contemporary fashion, collector Theodore Wohng’s archive is built around the premise of intense respect for artists and strong beliefs surrounding a collector’s obligations to both artists and the public.

By Pippa Milne

Theodore Wohng only wears black. His straight, hip-length hair blends into swathes of dark cloth and he tells me that as he ages – as his hair gradually turns white – he will start to introduce grey and then white into his wardrobe.

Wohng, a trained composer, has amassed works by a litany of artists, designers, composers and architects spanning any number of genres and eras. But despite its multiplicity, his collection is underpinned by an unspoken thematic thrust. Almost all the works drill into the darkness of humanity and the strange beauty that is inherent in such a state, creating a spectral and labyrinthine portrait of the human condition.

The collection comprises more than 300 works, including prints and sketches by Odilon Redon, Goya, Louise Bourgeois, Dorothea Tanning, photographs by Sophie Calle, architectural models by Rem Koolhaas and manuscripts by John Cage.

Recently, Wohng has been drawn into the public side of the art world, following years of conscious discretion. He is a member of the China Art Foundation and is an ambassador for this year’s Melbourne Art Fair. In his own creative practice, he has collaborated with artist Brook Andrew on the film work De Anima for The Cinemas Project, which debuted at Bendigo Art Gallery in April. He also has plans to explore his extensive collection through a series of exhibitions within his apartment, the first of which will proffer his collection of Redon Noirs – the third largest holding of its kind after MoMA and the Fitzwilliam Museum Cambridge.

Read the full article in Issue 7 of Vault Magazine, Out Now

NEW ART & CULTURE MAGAZINE

ISSUE 7 OUT NOW

SUBSCRIBE NOW

VAULTART.COM.AU

FEATURING: ELAD LASSRY,

FIONA CONNOR, LITTLEWHITEHEAD,

SARAH CONTOS, SANGEETA SANDRASEGAR, G-STAR, JULIE ANNE QUAY,

HUBERT DUPRAT, OSCAR KEY SUNG, SEAN BAILEY

& MORE

21 SEPTEMBERLEoNARD

leonardjoel.com.au

Melbourne Head Office333 Malvern RoadSouth Yarra VIC 3141 Australiat. 03 9826 4333 f. 03 9826 4544

Sydney

39 Queen StreetWoollahra NSW 2025 Australiat. 02 9362 9045 f. 03 9826 4544

COLLECTIBLES INCLUDING MILITARIAA U C T I O N T H U R S D AY 2 5 S E P T E M B E R AT 1 . 3 0 P M

PartTHE HIGHLY IMPORTANT GALLIPOLI D.S.O. GROUP OF SIX AND DIARY OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL ROBERT RANKINE 14 BN. A.I.F.

Sold $36,600 IBP

leonard, issue 32, september 2014

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