Famous Australian singer auctions her designer furniture

Cabinets by American designer Jonathan Adler (lots 383 and 384) belonging to a famous Australian singer and celebrity, who had the interior of her Hawthorn home designed by TV personality Shaynna Blaze from the much-loved show The Block, is one of the more fascinating auction attractions at Philips forthcoming decorative arts sale from noon Sunday March 22 at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern.

Now 54, Adler was born in New Jersey, New York and turned his childhood passion for pottery into a full-blown professional career, launching his first ceramic collection in 1993.

Five years later, he expanded into home furnishings and opened a boutique in Manhattan.

The designer, potter and author now has 17 stores and runs an eponymous design business.

The auction contains a large number of sterling silver snuff boxes including belonging to collector John Borthwick who founded the predecessor to Sotheby’s in Australia before it took on the iconic English auction house name.

The collection ranges from lots 180 to 260 with lot 182, a rare novelty William IV sterling silver cow snuffbox, and lot 258, an 1833 Scottish William IV table top version, of particular note. The collection was later bequeathed to the South Australian Gallery.

Other items of great interest to auction goers include French period furniture including commodes, sideboards and dining pieces, and porcelain and glassware.  

Jewellery will be auctioned the following night from 6pm and includes a solitaire brilliant cut diamond ring (lot 36), a quality single row diamond bangle (lot 39) and an aquamarine and diamond dress ring (lot 43).