Unique Australian ceramics collection looks for new home

Marvin Hurnall had a ceramics collection for which most collectors would give their right arm.

One of Australia’s most enthusiastic collectors and best-known antique dealers, Hurnall amassed a personal collection that featured the very best of Australian pottery.

His collecting efforts sparked a resurgence in popularity for such Australian ceramic icons as John Perceval, Arthur and Merric Boyd, Maude O’Reilly, William Ricketts, Grace Secombe and Marguerite Mahood.

Opening his first store in 1976, Hurnall initially sold antiques and furniture. However, within a few years his focus shifted to Australian and colonial furniture and Australian ceramics, at the time a rather unfashionable move since most people were only interested in European antiques.

As such he became a leading authority and this Mossgreen auction reflects his passion with more than 400 ceramics up for grabs – many either highly collectable or of museum quality.

Such were his endeavours that many of his finds were squirreled away in cupboards at his home or stored in a large shed in the backyard of the property.

The auction will take place at 2pm Sunday November 8 at 926-930 High Street, Armadale.