This auction presents an extraordinary opportunity to delve into the life of one our nation’s best-loved artists. We recently spoke to Mirka’s son, William, about what it was like to grow up with Mirka as a mother, and also, some of his favourite pieces in the auction. MIRKA IS ONE OF MELBOURNE’S (IF NOT, AUSTRALIA’S!) […]
In this year our 100th (and I won’t deny our collective pride in writing this!) Leonard Joel is well prepared to celebrate with our clients, our industry and our friends and we look forward to a year of events and conversations with you to mark this important milestone. And in this centenary issue it would […]
Karl Lagerfeld’s death in February sparked an outpouring of praise, celebration and reverence from the fashion world. Acknowledged as one of the most influential designers of the 20th century, Lagerfeld proved his extraordinary creative flair and vision when he took over as Chanel’s Creative Director in 1983. He reimagined Chanel’s signature pieces, such as tweed […]
In February, we were honoured to be part of the official unveiling and sponsorship of artists Gillie and Marc’s compelling sculpture The Last Two on the St Kilda foreshore. The life-size sculpture depicts the final two remaining Northern White Rhinos in the wild and Leonard Joel’s sponsorship of this permanent sculpture marks our first centenary […]
This issue, we spent 5 minutes with Moi Rogers, who sees the most eclectic range of items every week in her role as Books & Collectables Manager. FAVOURITE MAKER / ARTIST The Japanese designer, Issey Miyake, is my ultimate favourite. But, I love the Japanese sensibility overall the design and practicality, the quality, sense of […]
The infamous scene that unfolded last October has gone down in art history as a classic piece of Banksy performance art. Hammering down as the last lot for the night, Girl With Balloon made headlines when it began to self-destruct, slipping down in its frame, stunning onlookers as it emerged from the bottom in shreds. […]
Schulim Krimper immigrated to Australia in 1939, and from his earliest days in Melbourne, a certain mystique always surrounded his name. He went on to establish an empire, and a reputation for superb, custom-made modern furniture throughout the 1950s and 60s. Krimper was Melbourne’s leading innovator and creator of forward-thinking modern designs, with exquisite talent […]
Recently, I had the pleasure of valuing The Estate of Karen Bidwill, which is part of our forthcoming Decorative Arts Auction. I knew immediately that this was a rare and distinguished collection and what I found particularly intriguing was its layered history and provenance. Karen Bidwill spent many years living in London and during this […]
The word icon stems from the Greek word Eikona meaning devotional image or figure. Iconography is an integral aspect of Orthodox and Catholic religion and was popularized in Medieval Europe during a time when religion and state ruled together and had much influence over people’s lives. The purpose of icons was to instruct and influence […]