The first, Chatelaines: Utility to Glorious Extravagance, co-authored in 1994 with Nerylla Taunton, followed the history of the chatelaine from the original terminology describing the keys of the castle to its 1828 usage as a Paris fashion accessory (watches, perfume bottles, pens) and its modern day popularity.
The second book (2006), Antique Boxes: Inside and Out, details Dr Cummins preoccupation over several years with various types of antique boxes (such as sewing, snuff, cutlery, ballot and vanity versions, along with tea caddies and writing compendiums) and the intricate and beautiful carvings that adorned them – featuring more than 1000 images of almost 2000 items.
As varied as their uses are the exotic materials from which many are constructed including tortoiseshell, ivory, papier mache, ormolu and ebony.
“Too often, these boxes would be empty inside because the specific fittings had been lost, broken or sold off,” she said. “I always felt this was rather sad because they had lost some of their soul.”
So Dr Cummins set about building a collection that paid tribute to antique boxes historical, social and artistic importance. Now, no longer having the room to store them, she has given more than 130 of these creations to Leonard Joel to be offered as part of its classic objects, furniture and design auction from noon Sunday, November 20 at 333 Malvern Road, South Yarra.
Among them are a few favourites including a late 18th/early 19th century straw work miniature bureau. Replicating in miniature the proportions of a full sized writing desk, every surface of the box is applied with fine geometric panels in coloured straw – opening to an interior fitted with a multitude of miniature storage compartments.
Another is a late 18th century English quill work sewing box with its surface of intricate filigree made from gilt-edged rolled paper, and a fitted interior with period sewing accessories.
Some are rare but quite primitive, like the 19th century jack-in-the-box Dr Cummins discovered at a shop near London – the only Victorian example the owner possessed.
And the writing has not ceased. Only last year to coincide with the 500th anniversary, Dr Cummins released her latest work How The Watch Was Worn: A Fashion For 500 Years – a book tracing these developments since the year 1510 when clocks were made small enough to be carried about the person.
A unique World War I medal group awarded to aviation pioneer and Qantas co-founder Lieutenant Paul McGinness will be offered on the same day as part of the Leonard Joel collectables auction.
McGinness is believed to be the only Australian serviceman in either World War to be awarded both the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM).