Australian industry stalwart calls it a day with auction goodies
Author: Richard Brewster | Posted: 11th May, 2018
Melbourne antique industry stalwart Graham Geddes has finally called it a day after 50 years in the business and stepped down as head and director of Graham Geddes Antiques in favour of his two daughters, Lil and Liv.
As a result, Christian McCann Auctions has been asked to auction Geddes entire stock on site at his antique shop at 883 High Street, Armadale over two days from midday Saturday May 19 and Sunday May 20.
Graham Geddes finally retiring from the business he had built up over half a century is a significant event.
The man is synonymous with antiques not only in Australia but also overseas.
At the zenith of his business, Geddes had shops in London and Paris – and the rabbit warren that is his High Street abode has to be seen to be believed, as it is filled with the finest antiques and objet d’art.
This, what amounts to clear out sale, will have something for everyone – whether they are a seasoned collector or a first time buyer.
While there are too many items going under the hammer to mention them all, there are several worth considering including a a 19th century French gilt bronze and mahogany salon cabinet and an 18th century French ormolu mounted kingwood bureau plat.
Other items of interest include a fretted brass document box, a circa 1720 Regence gilt bronze mounted marble top bombe commode and a late 19th century Italian pietra dura and wrought iron table.
Among the art works is a Miklos Mihalovits oil on canvas entitled the Slave Trader.
Works by Australian photographer Bill Henson also feature prominently in the sale.
An outstanding French 18th century lacquered bracket clock is one of the more appealing timepieces on offer while a 20th century bronze figure is rather interesting to behold.
For those collectors interested in Chinese artefacts, a carved polychrome decorated figure of seated emperor Qian Long could be the missing piece of their collections.
Other items worth a look include a palatial pair of French ormolu candelabra, and several Etruscan terra cotta heads and sarcophagus lids from the 3rd century B.C.
