Passionate collector lucky enough to meet artists before buying

Ewart A. Wing was a Sydney collector whose passion for collecting was enhanced by the fact he met one of Royal Worcester’s leading artists David Peplow and the Australian artist Robert Dickerson.

A carpenter/builder who was adept at restoring antique furniture to near perfect condition (helped by his son Robert who was a French polisher), Ewart collected until his death 32 years ago, aged 63.

In this regard he was ably assisted by his wife Elayne, who died last year. Because they had many valuable contacts in the antiques trade in Sydney, doors overseas were opened – including to the Royal Worcester factory in England and Satsuma in Japan.

Typical examples of these purchases within the Amanda Addams Auctions sale from 6.30pm Monday at 344 High Street, Kew are a large carved female Japanese figure, a late Meiji period Satsuma vase signed by Shunzan Kyoto and a Royal Worcester gilt and fruit decorated lidded vase signed by Roberts.

The family also is auctioning Robert Dickerson’s Girl in Ultimo, purchased through Greythorn Galleries in Toorak where they met the artist.

The auction contains Albert Tucker’s Sunset Landscape with Parrot and works by David Boyd, Bill Coleman, Garry Shead, Victor Rubin, David Bromley and Wiolliam Joseph Wadham, along with Dutch Indonesian, French, American and European art.

Apart from Satsuma and Royal Worcester examples, there is a rare 1934 Pamela jug and Crown Derby, Royal Doulton, Royal Albert, Wedgwood, Moorcroft, Chinese and Japanese pieces.

Jewellery includes high quality estate items featuring diamonds, emeralds, tanzanite and sapphires.

Furniture is retro, vintage, Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian and includes a music Canterbury, sewing table, cabinets and chests.  

Other items include Aboriginal art effects, Cloisonne, scales, postcards, photographs, AWA Bakelite radio and a gold mounted tiger’s paw.