Melbourne identity paintings slotted for auction
Author: Richard Brewster | Posted: 19th July, 2019
Paintings from the deceased estate of former Melbourne identity Peter Davis are among popular highlights of Philips Auctions forthcoming decorative and fine arts auction from noon Sunday July 28 at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern.
Several of the paintings feature past Melbourne and Victorian scenes by artists such as Dora Lynell Wilson (1883-1946) Top End of Collins Street, Melbourne (lot 395) and Fabian Swire’s 1934 etching Collins Street Old & New (lot 394) showing views of the then recently completed Manchester Unity Building.
Other works of note in the collection include the unsigned oil on timber panel Ile de la Cite and Notre Dame Cathedral (lot 397) attributed to Ethel Carrick Fox (1872-1952 and George Henry Frederick Bell’s (1878-1966) Portrait of a woman (lot 399).
An early 20th century Polish School painting entitled Woman Reading (lot 403) is another work worthy of examination.
Clocks are another feature with various eye-catching timepieces bound to attract collectors. These include Louis XV and Louis XVI style ormolu mantel and spelter figure clocks along with a black marble timepiece complete with Marley horse figure (Japay Frere makers mark – lot 93) and an antique 1880s Swiss/Black Forest carved walnut version (lot 100).
Art deco spelter figures abound including a 1920s dramatic figural group by R. Varnier (lot 82) and an H. Fuguy dancing girl with swirling skirt and tambourine accompanied by a dancing goat (lot 83).
Sterling silver is another attraction with Australian creations featuring prominently among their international counterparts.
Particularly impressive is the circa 1875 colonial silver mounted emu egg with presentation plaque (lot 279) and several pairs of Australian sterling silver belt buckles by makers such as Charles Horne of Gawler in South Australia and Melbourne’s G.H. Palfrey (lot 274).
Other fine pieces include an unusual 1853 Victorian three light candelabrum (lot 232) and several fine animal creations such as lot 263 – a 1906 Edwardian jewelled silver gilt elephant potpourri.
Among the porcelain on offer is a pair of Chinese straits type famille rose covered jars (lot 136) and furniture includes a neoclassical style 19th century brass and mother of pearl inlaid thuja wood Bonheur de jour accompanied by two inlaid chairs and the more traditional circa 1900 Louis XIV style commode arbalete in mixed timbers.
The Monday night jewellery auction features hundreds of Australian silver coins and banknotes from a deceased estate.
