Historic Falls House coughs up its auction valuables
Author: Richard Brewster | Posted: 6th November, 2017
Historic Falls House at Wentworth Falls in New South Wales Blue Mountains began life in 1850 when Joseph Poll established the venue as a hotel.
Eighty years later, the building was almost destroyed by fire before being completely rebuilt and during the 1990s iconic Australian artist John Olsen and his girlfriend lived there where they set aside a room for his studio.
Well-known landscaper Paul Sorensen designed the garden and the property is once more in the news with Mossgreen auctioning the home’s contents from 10am Monday November 13 at 36-40 Queen Street, Woollahra in Sydney.
Art lovers will be instantly attracted to this auction with plenty of quality, affordable paintings up for sale.
Heading the list is Elioth Gruner’s (1882-1939) The Vale, an exceptional example of one of Australia’s most gifted artists ability to paint light and landscapes in their truest form.
Another important work is Ethel Carrick Fox’s (1872-1952) Flower Vendors, Nice – showcasing Ethel’s praise for the environment.
Grace Cossington Smith (1892-1984) is one of Australia’s most celebrated 20th century painters.
Her work was significant in the establishment of Australia’s response to European post-impressionism and she brought her surroundings to life through the use of vivid colour and brushwork.
Garden Bunch, 1946 is a good example of the domestic interiors focus Cossington Smith portrayed while taking care of her ill sister.
Cressida Campbell’s Protea and Gum Leaves and John Olsen’s Water Birds are other good examples of the art on offer.
The auction contains a strong selection of sterling silver including a Georg Jensen blossom pattern teapot, milk jug and sugar basin and a circular tray hallmarked London 1819 with makers Rebecca Eames and Edward Barnard.
Another interesting item is a silver gilt presentation dish hallmarked London 1861 and inscribed on the front with the words “To Alexander Alston from Alexandra Princess of Wales, 1883” – along with a sterling silver champagne bucket.
Several 17th century Dutch Delft blue and white vases and tobacco jar should attract plenty of attention and a circa 1935 Carltonware bowl with Red Devil Pattern (Mephistophele) is worth a closer look.
Several of the other porcelain items are intriguing including a novelty ashtray depicting America and Spain fighting over Cuba.
Interesting are several glass dump weights – created at the end of glass blowing sessions – and a collection of fossils.
