Iconic art for charity auction goers

Leading Australian art auction house Menzies has launched itself into the charity auction market by supporting Arthritis and Osteoporosis Victoria (A&OV) in its Art for Arthritis fundraising efforts as part of the company’s final fine art sale for the year.

Several iconic Australian paintings will be on offer when the auctioneer raises his hammer for the first time at 6.30pm on Thursday December 11 at 1 Darling Street, South Yarra.

These include John Brack’s Backs and Fronts 1969 (carrying a catalogue estimate of $1.5-$2 million) and Sidney Nolan’s Kelly and Horse 1964-65 ($450,000-$550,000).

In an ongoing bid to raise community awareness about Australian art auctions, Menzies executive chairman Rod Menzies continues to hold auction viewings at his historic Stonington mansion at 336 Glenferrie Road, Malvern (this one is from 11am-6pm Thursday December 4 to Wednesday December 10).

A&OV will benefit from the Menzies auction when buyers and sellers who wish to do so make a tax-deductible donation to its community work.

Dickerson Gallery got the ball rolling by donating Robert Dickerson’s The matron 2010, which sold on the gala preview night of December 4 for $7000. 

Other Australian artists works on offer include Jeffrey Smart’s Ramp by Factory 2000 (estimate $350,000-$450,000), Norman Lindsay’s The Pirates’ Return c1940 and Charles Blackman’s Schoolgirls and Factory Smoke c1952-53.

Auction goers also should be interested in Arthur Streeton’s Salute from Riva Schiavoni, Venice c1908 and Tim Storrier’s Edge of the Plain 2012.