Melbourne decorative arts auction to help cancer research

Exquisite furniture and paintings from the Victorian branch of the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation is among highlights of Philips Auctions first 2020 sale from noon Sunday February 16 at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern.

Among the major features are a 19^th century European school portrait of a young lady in a black dress with lace collar (lot 367), a Regency style early to mid-20^th century mahogany bureau plat (lot 432) and a late 19^th century Louis XVI giltwood canape with musical score motifs imprinted on the aqua silk taffeta (lot 436).

Established in 1999 with branches in all states and territories, the Ovarian Research Council Foundation’s aim is to fund innovative cancer research to save women’s lives through early detection and personalised treatment.

Funds for this purpose are raised from the corporate and community sector through major annual campaigns the White Shirt Campaign and Frocktober.

Other auction items from the foundation include reproduction paintings in 17^th century style featuring ladies playing instruments of the time, 19^th century Louis XVI style giltwood fauteuils and bergeres and a 20^th century pair of Biedermeier revival mahogany tub chairs – along with an early 20^th century Edwardian mahogany chest.

Another auction highlight is the estate of Kevin Sparnon, an inveterate collector who for many years worked at the Family Pawn Shop in Melbourne’s Russell Street.

According to Philips Auctions managing director Tony Philips, Sparnon’s one-bedroom Fitzroy apartment contained the biggest collection he had ever seen crammed into such a small area.

“He liked ornaments and the apartment was full of eclectic pieces including clocks and clock keys, silver tea caddy spoons, paper weights and glass dumps,” he said.

Among the clocks is a circa 1900 art nouveau spelter ‘Diana’ mystery clock probably by Jughans (lot 66) and 20^th century Dutch Wuba Warmink triple Westminster chime bracket clock (lot 70).

A local Melbourne collector has offered two fine antique jade libation cups in the Ming manner (lot 147 and 186), while a turquoise jade bird ornament (lot 207) is worth noting.

Bohemian glass, including lots 276 and 277 – baluster vases and an early 20^th century bohemian Loetz ‘Papillon’ three handled vase – is another auction feature, along with an extensive collection of silver.

Monday night’s jewellery auction from 6pm features diamonds, gold coins and pocket watches including a fine quality 1.95-carat radiant cut diamond, a 1920s Longines pocket watch with slide pencil and a 1993 Australian one ounce coin in pendant mount.