Beatles photographic collection highlights Australian auction

With Christmas only a couple of months away, shoppers are beginning to turn their attention to gifts for loved ones.

Melbourne-based Philips Auctions premium selection of antique and modern jewellery, being auctioned online and ending from 9.30am Monday October 28, could be the ideal solution for those looking for an extra special item.
Lot 1, a stunning black and white diamond leopard bangle by Leo Pizzo, certainly fits the bill with its $16,000-$22,000 catalogue estimate.

One of Australia’s best-known conservationists, Sydney-born Chris Pratten, who died this year aged 90, is being remembered through his massive collection of antique clocks, Wedgewood and other porcelain brands, and naturalist art - to be auctioned by Melbourne-based Leski Auctions as part of its Decorative Arts sale from 10am Sunday September 22.

The Pratten collection, containing 274 lots, is one of three on the day – the other two belonging to Sydney dealer Alan Landis and Tasmanian collector Chris Burghley.

Melbourne interior decorator and landscaper the late Daryl Mills, who died late last year, was a popular figure among collectors.

Those who visited his business Demille Decorative Arts in High Street, Kew became used to seeing him in trademark white overalls tending to his largely art deco and 1950s and 1960s collection of fittings and furniture, and he was a great supporter of Melbourne’s auction houses.

Daryl’s artistic life began at 18 with landscaping that also incorporated an art gallery in Gardenvale.

Collectors will have the opportunity to remember Bruce Armstrong, one of Australia’s most important sculptors who died earlier this year aged 67, when Menzies online auction of Prints & Multiples closes from 6.30pm on Wednesday August 28.

His bronze sculpture entitled The Cricketer, conceived in 1987 and cast in 2021, (lot 14) is among more than 80 works on offer from some of Australia’s best artists.