Lifetime collection goes under the hammer at palatial home

Emmeline McFadyen was a well-known customer at leading Melbourne antique shops and auction rooms in the late 1980s and early 1990s and over her life amassed a fantastic collection of antiques and collectables for her palatial home “Lindsay” at 31 Wrixon Street, Kew.

Now Christian McCann Auctions has been asked to auction her comprehensive collection – the entire contents of the home – on site from noon Sunday August 12.

The collection features 18^th and 19^th century English furniture including an exceptional Regency banquet dining table, plum mahogany chiffonier, George III secretaire bookcase and oak cane side salon suite.

A silky oak library bookcase is the highlight of the 19^th century library furniture, which also includes a rare drum table and library desk.

French 19^th century salon furniture is another drawcard with buyers bound to be fascinated by the gilt mirrors, vitrines, commodes and bureau-plat on offer.

Sterling silver and plated ware (including rare Irish flatware) is among other collectables, along with a collection of gold and silver pocket watches.

Art collectors should check out the range of Australian and international art by such well-known names as Arthur Streeton, Norman Lindsay, Hans Heysen, Robert Johnson, Albert Sherman, Taylor Ghee, David Boyd and Walter Withers.

A gallery size Venice scene by a Heidelberg School artist and a Norman Lindsay reclining maiden are the highlights.

A rare George Owen vase and ormolu mounted Sevres are the major attractions for porcelain collectors with other quality pieces by Royal Worcester, Meissen, Dresden, Augustus Rex, Royal Berlin, Coalport and Copeland Spode.

The auction contains fine clocks and clock sets including an important musical longcase example and ormolu and bronze timepieces by Raingo of Paris.

Other attractions include vintage clothes, shoes, Persian carpets and household goods.