“Modernism sought to build a better future in the aftermath of World War I. An international movement, modernism encapsulated the possibilities of the 20th century. It celebrated the romance of cities, the healthy body and the ideals of abstraction and functionalism in design.” Powerhouse Museum, 2017 Here are four of my personal favourite examples of […]
A Rare ‘Grand Nue Socle Lierre’ Statuette by Rene Lalique, circa 1920s René Lalique first created this design in 1919, most likely as part of his work for a new production facility in Wingen-sur-Moder, which opened in 1921. The clear, frosted and sepia stained glass figure evokes the simplicity of the nude female figure and […]
We are delighted to announce that Troy McKenzie has been appointed as Leonard Joel’s Representative Specialist for Queensland. Troy is a Queenslander by birth and is a respected and trusted member of the Queensland community. For almost 30 years, Troy has worked as an expert jeweller with the respected Brisbane firm Penfold and Troy’s aim […]
After travelling abroad for many years, Fred Williams returned to Australia, settling in the outskirts of Melbourne. Reacquainting himself with the local landscape, he dedicated his practice to what was in front of him. Williams set out to challenge his perception of the humble gum tree, this landscape was now somewhat unfamiliar to him, […]
Following their development in the 16th Century, pocket watches were the most commonly used type of watch until the rise in popularity of wrist watches after World War I. Until the late 18th Century, pocket watches were luxury items that went beyond practicality, with their beautiful craftsmanship and design giving an insight into a gentleman’s […]
Turquoise is among the world’s most ancient gemstones, with records indicating it has been used since 4000 BC. Archaeological excavations revealed turquoise buried in Ancient Egyptian tombs (Ancient Egyptians called turquoise ‘Mefkat’ which also means ‘joy’ and ‘delight’), and Chinese artisans were carving it more than 3000 years ago. In 1519, Montezuma, ruler of the Aztec […]
Leonard Joel is thrilled to announce that on the 26th of August 2020 in Sydney its Important Jewels department realised a new Australian auction record for a piece of jewellery. The previous record of $450,000 was well and truly smashed when Lot 35, an impressive 17.34 carat emerald-cut diamond ring set in platinum, sold for […]
Leonard Joel was honoured to have been appointed to curate and celebrate the collection of this connoisseur-collector with an international eye that Sydney will forever remember. On Tuesday night, a new generation of collectors, from both Australia and abroad, claimed their part of this important decorative arts collection. The auction, held over a day and […]
The current market indicates an increasing fascination with the fantastical world. Here are four of Australia’s greatest female illustrators you should watch out for at auction. Ida Rentoul Outhwaite Ida Rentoul Outhwaite came from a gifted artistic family and was brought up in Melbourne’s inner suburbs. She began her artistic exploration by illustrating stories […]
Born in Geelong in 1938, John began collecting at a very young age, finding his first pieces on the neighbourhood tip! His Grandmother took him to his first auction at age 7, and he was buying and selling “old things” by his mid teens. A local elderly antiques dealer took a shine to John, and […]