September 2019

When Christian McCann was invited to auction the entire contents of a Victorian mansion at 34 Brewster Street, Essendon, little did he realise the intriguing facts he would uncover about its past.

The mansion features a tower where the original merchant owner would sit to watch for the ships carrying his imported cargo to sail into port – but that is not what makes this historic property so fascinating.

Any visitor who looks up will see ceilings painted by an artisan who unfortunately would never complete his work.

 Now in his 60s, a vendor who does not wish to be named and who purchased specific art deco pieces to decorate his period St Kilda Street, Brighton mansion has decided it is time to downsize as he moves into retirement.

As a result, his entire collection will be auctioned from 9.30am Tuesday September 24 by E.J. Ainger at 433 Bridge Road, Richmond.

Managing director John Ainger has described the sale as a designer auction with art deco furniture and French designed cherub vases, wrought iron standard lamps and coffee tables typical of the offerings.

Legendary Australian businessman and underworld figure John Wren (1871-1953) – made famous thanks largely to a fictionalised account of his life in Frank Hardy’s 1950 novel Power Without Glory and remembered from the early 1900s for his Johnston Street, Collingwood horse racing gambling venture which eventually earned him $40,000 a year – will make an unforgettable impression on Leski Auctions forthcoming Fine and Rare Clocks sale.