Hardwick family collection a treasure not to be missed

The Hardwick Family Collection of Art and Antiques will be auctioned by Leonard Joel on site at 2 Shoreham Road, Shoreham from 11am Sunday February 21.

One of the oldest houses in Shoreham and settled by the pioneering Kennedy family in the 1860s, the home was bought 40 years by Betty and Dowell Hardwick as a “retirement” venue.

However, far from “hanging up their boots”, they became avid collectors of art and antiques including, paintings, watercolours, books, furniture and objects.

The collection reflects their interests including a love of the Mornington Peninsula and Westernport – in particular the rural landscapes and seascapes seen in many of the paintings.

Their interest in theatre and history, fuelled by their many travels, is evident in their diverse book and art collection.

Dowell was resourceful and practical handyman with a fully equipped workshop and spent years meticulously restoring Australian timber furniture as well as collecting modern Scandinavian designs.

Of the 133 paintings in the sale, as long time clients over the past 30 years almost 50 per cent were purchased from Leonard Joel.

Of particular note is Will Rowell’s painting of Sydney Harbour Bridge The Bridge from Woolloomooloo – sure to interest New South Wales buyers.