Strong French theme in Ainger auction
Author: Richard Brewster | Posted: 26th May, 2015
A strong French theme is evident in E.J. Ainger’s forthcoming weekly sale with a large selection of walnut and oak armoires and tallboys, double beds and a trumeau mirror from the European nation all up for grabs.
The auction, from 9.30am Tuesday May 30 at 433 Bridge Road, Richmond, also offers retro teak sideboards, leather top desks and drop front bureaus, a pair of Chesterfield armchairs and several large four-door wardrobes.
Other furniture attractions include a superb 11-piece yew dining room suite and French bedside and occasional tables – along with a wide selection of Victorian and reproduction mahogany dining room suites.
The auction features Australian pokerwork and Victorian lustre vases, French copperware and a William Ricketts sculpture.
An Australian potter and sculptor of the arts and crafts movement, Ricketts (who died in 1993 aged 95) is famous for the Mount Dandenong sanctuary named after him, which he created in 1934, and for his vision of a modern Australia that embraces Aboriginal spirituality.
From 1949 to 1960, he made frequent trips into central Australia to live with the Pitjantjatjara and Arrernte Aboriginal people, whose traditions and culture inspired his sculptures.
Many of his central Australian works can be seen at the bird sanctuary Pitchi Ritchi near Alice Springs.
The auction also contains a selection of oil paintings and prints, a set of sandstone planters and pedestals, cast iron driveway gates and sterling silver and plated ware.
