Submitted by aarAdmin on Thu, 11/25/2021 - 00:00
Melbourne-based Gibson’s Auctions final two live auctions for 2021 – the Interiors and Spring Auction Series – on November 20 and 21 were a bonanza for vendors, with a busy and vibrant saleroom after six COVID-19 lockdowns since March last year.
The Interiors auction featured the collections of Melbourne socialite the late Shirley Strauss and interior designer Geoffrey Stewardson.
The former collection sold at 220 per cent of its value, while the latter was 166 per cent. Top selling items included Shirley’s emerald green velvet upholstered lounge suit designed by Reg Riddell (lot 103), which sold for $14,640 including buyer’s premium (low estimate $1500), and a large Royal Worcester hand painted porcelain urn by Harry Davis (lot 1) that changed hands for $13,420.
An Etruscan revival-style emerald ring (lot 183) was another strong result at $9760, while a large German porcelain Schneeballen floral encrusted vase brought $7320.
Another pleasing item was a 17th century Basque carved oak chest of drawers that sold for $6710.
The multi-vendor Spring Auction Series also was a successful 98 per cent by value.
Lot 605, a set of 12 rust coloured velvet upholstered oak dining chairs by Kim Moir Bespoke, was the standout item at a healthy $15,860 against a low estimate of $1500.
A silver presentation watch (lot 661) given to chief officer of the 1916 Aurora Relief Expedition, Clarence Peterson de la Motte, for his part in the mission to rescue Ross Sea survivors of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated trans Antarctic journey, brought an incredible $9760 – double its catalogue estimate – probably because of its provenance.
Another popular item was Jean Cocteau and Egidio Constantini Trinita 1957 “Omaggio” vase (lot 789) that sold for $8450.
Popular Melbourne Bohemian identity the late Mirka Mora’s painting Bird Dreaming 1967 (lot 769) brought a healthy $7320 and a large Waterford cut glass chandelier (lot 580) $5124.
