By Richard Brewster, on 11-Mar-2020

When Glenleigh Antiques in High Street, Armadale was a major fixture in Melbourne’s antique furniture scene in the early part of this century, one of its greatest customers was a wealthy Toorak socialite whose exquisite tastes were easily indulged by an open cheque book.

The furniture she bought at the time is now a major part of E.J. Ainger’s special two-day auction from 10am Saturday March 14 and 11am Sunday March 15 at 433 Bridge Road, Richmond.

Being a deceased estate, the executor has instructed Aingers that all the items must be sold said Managing Director John Ainger, including this outstanding pair of 19th century Venetian Nubian figured torcheres (above), originally purchased from a leading High Street Armadale dealer for $24,000.

Being a deceased estate, the executor has instructed Aingers that all the items must be sold said Managing Director John Ainger, including this outstanding pair of 19th century Venetian Nubian figured torcheres (above), originally purchased from a leading High Street Armadale dealer for $24,000.

Because it is a deceased estate, the executor has instructed Aingers that all the items must be sold.

Managing director John Ainger said one of the lots, 372, an outstanding pair of 19th century Venetian Nubian figured torcheres, was the only pair he had ever had the opportunity to sell at auction.

“The socialite purchased the pair in 2004 for $24,000,” he said. “A Napoleon III ebonised and profusely ormolu mounted credenze with three pietra dura panelled doors is another spectacular piece purchases the previous year for $36,500.”

Other items in the deceased estate are equally impressive. A 20th century French Louis XV style commode (lot 365) was bought in 2004 for $32,000, along with a 19th century Louis XV style and Vernis Martin panelled bombe shape single door vitrine (lot 295) for $16,000.

Auction goers no doubt also will be impressed with the outstanding 19th century French walnut marble top two-door display vitrine decorated with porcelain panels featuring cherubs (lot 459) and matching 19th century French walnut marble top corner cabinets (lot 460) bought from Glenleigh Antiques in 2006 for $28,500.

For porcelain collectors, a set of six Royal Worcester cabinet plates (lot 408) by A. Shuck retailed in 2003 by Waring & Gillow in London for $10,000 is another bonus from the estate.

Likewise, the French bronze and ormolu pink Sevres hand painted clock garniture set (lot 458), signed by maker Nathan & Co Paris, and bought for $17,500. 

Other auction highlights include a signed pottery mask by Australian sculptor William Ricketts – famous for his works featuring Australian Aboriginals at his Mt Dandenong sanctuary outside Melbourne – along with a strong selection of paintings from such notable Australian artists as Kenneth Jack and Leonard Long.

Jewellery is another strong attraction auction attraction with lots like 853 – a pair of icy jadeite, tsavorite, garnet and diamond earrings – and lot 860, a diamond and ruby flower brooch, bound to bring plenty of attention.

 

 

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About The Author

Richard Brewster has been writing about the antiques and art auction industry for almost 20 years, first in a regular weekly column for Fairfax's The Age newspaper and also in more recent times for his own website Australian Auction Review. With 45 years experience as a journalist and public relations consultant, in 1990 Richard established his own business Brewster & Associates in Melbourne, handling a wide range of clients in the building, financial, antiques and art auction industries.