Fine Arts Auctions

High quality French and English antique furniture, a superb grand piano and important Australian art and jewellery are among items to be auctioned at auctioneer Phil Caldwell latest sale from 11am Sunday November 30 at 43 Clendon Road, Toorak.

The antique French furniture includes a pair of fine commodes, a gilt salon suite and boulle vitrine – while the art features works by Russell Drysdale, David Boyd, Hugh Sawrey, Gary Shead, Pro Hart, David Bromley, Ray Crooke, John Perceval, Fred Williams, Sidney Nolan and Charles Blackman.

A prominent Melbourne family involved in Australia’s jewellery industry is auctioning its large collection of antique furniture, porcelain, silver and collectibles through auctioneer Phillip Caldwell from 11am Sunday October 19 at 13 Gladstone Parade, Elsternwick.

Mr Caldwell first met the family about two years ago when asked to value the contents of its magnificent period home, which has now been sold.

He was immediately impressed with the quality of the furniture and collectibles, much of which had been collected during regular trips to New York, Europe and Asia.

Former Toyota dealer Graham Werner and his wife Carol have sold their landmark Victorian property at 66 Hanby Street(cnr Denby Street), Brighton and have asked auctioneer Phil Caldwell to auction the contents from 11am Sunday August 24.

The auction features major artworks, antiques, porcelain and clocks – along with Asian antiquities, several rare motorcycles and a luxury boat.

Horses have long been one of Greg Mance’s great loves and, as part of the Windsor Smith shoe empire, he was able to indulge his passion through Carngham Station – a 2400-hectare horse training stud outside Ballarat.

Greg’s father Clarrie established Windsor Smith in 1946, the year his son was born. His father also loved to train trotters, which is probably how Greg inherited his love of racehorses.

Walking through Bishops Palace in Ballarat, it is almost impossible to separate the historic from the antique.

Yet owners Robert and Vikki Smith have done an excellent job of furnishing the mansion with magnificent items that reflect its late 19^th century birthright.

Bishops Palace, at 1444 Sturt Street Ballarat, was purpose built in 1876 as the official residence for the first Bishop of Ballarat, Dr Michael O’Connor.