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The Western Australian Collection

 AUCTION

Monday 30th May 2005 at 7pm

Catalogue:  $20.00 (inc GST).

 Venue:  In our rooms.

 Buying at McKenzies:

It is imperative to read the following page, “Information For Intending Buyers”.

                    Viewing:

                    Thursday               26th May               10am - 6pm

                     Friday                   27th May               10am - 6pm

                    Saturday               28th May               10am - 5pm

                    Sunday                 29th May               10am - 5pm

Absentee Bids:   See Absentee bid forms at the end of this catalogue.

 Foreword

 This is the most important collection of Western Australian artwork ever to be offered for sale.

 Chronologically, the collection extends from colonial works, such as the 1834 etching after Lieutenant Robert Dale, depicting Albany, as well as the original journal pages from D’Urville’s, “Voyage of the Astrolabe,” published 1833.  Also of the same era, is the 1824 original engraving after Pellion, depicting Freycinet’s landing party at Shark Bay.

 The collection also extends to rare, early Twentieth century works by Florence Fuller, D. McGregor Whyte, Linton, Webb, Barker and others.

 Major moderns such as three 1950’s Guy Grey-Smith oils and an important Juniper, are also represented.

 Topographically, the collection is unsurpassed.  The catalogue features major works by John Campbell, - including the grand overview of Perth, South Perth and Perth waters, (illustrated on the catalogue cover.)

 Other historical topographical works are liberally sprinkled throughout, by artists significant to W.A. history, such as, Benson, Bourne, I. Francis, Linton, Vike, Webb and others.  Normally, W.A. picture auctions may only contain one to three such artworks.

 Portraits also feature.  The stunning work by Fuller depicting Mrs. D.V. Hackett, the major Vike self portrait (exhibited Art Gallery of Western Australia, 1990), the charming work, sitter unknown by D. McGregor Whyte, and the portraits by P.Ivor Hunt and others.

 Unlike many corporate collections, which may be the result of various influences, motivations and maybe a committee.  This collection has been meticulously put together by one passionate private individual.  Its genesis was the purchase of an entire single W.A. collection in 1996, (which itself was commenced in the late 1980’s).  From there, the collection was added to, whenever the best of an artists work became available.

 There has been no desperate “filling of gaps,” just to add a “name,” that was missing.  If the work didn’t satisfy a number of criteria, predominantly concerned with quality, then it wasn’t acquired.

 Whilst in some areas, the collection seems to have an abundance, John Barker watercolours for example, the reason is simply because the collector liked John Barker watercolours.

 To anyone familiar with our business here at McKenzies, it is evident that we have been heavily involved not just with the collections acquisitions, but also with its conservation, presentation and framing.  (The companies largely responsible for this are; “Guest Fine Art Services,” and “Papierniak the Paper Specialist.”)

 As those who have purchased a modestly priced artwork from auction can attest, once it has been conserved and re-framed to any standard, its’ price can more than double.  Here, all such work has been completed to the highest standard – regardless of cost.  Where possible the original frame has been restored, if it was “correct” in the first place.

 This collection, in terms of quality and its relevance to Western Australian collectors, is the most significant collection of artwork ever to have been offered.

 We are honoured to have been entrusted with its dispersal and to launch each artwork onto the next phase of their passage through history.

 Peter McKenzie
(Director:  McKenzies)
April 2005

 IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR INTENDING BUYERS

 CONDITIONS OF SALE

1.     ‑All persons intending to bid must obtain a bidding number by registering with the auctioneer their         name, address and telephone number.

2.     ‑A buyer premium applies to this sale of 15% of the hammer price, plus 1.5% G.S.T., to be paid in addition to the  hammer price. 

3.     If instructed, we will execute bids on behalf of a potential purchaser.

4.     ‑Lots are sold “as is”, the auctioneer and vendors make no representation as to the condition of any lot, and are not responsible for any errors of description or for genuiness or imperfections of any lot sold. This clause is subject to Condition 5.

5.     ‑However, if within 14 days of this sale the buyer returns the lot in the same condition as it was purchased and also tenders a written opinion from a competent expert acceptable to the auctioneer that the lot is a forgery, then the purchase price will be refunded.

6.     The vendors’ shall have the right to bid by the auctioneer or the vendor’s agent.

7.     ‑Subject to any reserve price, the highest bidder shall be the purchaser, however, should there be a dispute the auctioneer reserves the right to re-auction the lot.

8.     ‑Statements within this catalogue are statements of opinion only. Measurements are approximate only. Subject to condition 5, sales cannot be cancelled for any reason.

 PAYMENT

 9.     ‑Purchasers are required to pay for in full and remove their lot within 2 days (not working days) of this sale. The buyer will pay interest at a rate of 5% per month or part thereof on any payments outstanding after 2 days. A storage fee of $20.00 may be charged for uncollected purchases after 5 working days.   

        ‑Payment is to be made by cash or bank cheque, unless the purchaser is known to the auctioneer - or has made prior arrangements with the auctioneer. Alternatively lots are available after cheques have been cleared. Bankcard, Visa and MasterCard are acceptable, subject to Condition 14 below.

10.   ‑A defaulting purchaser shall be responsible for all costs attached to any resale.

11.   The auctioneer reserves the right to re-auction any lot.

12.   ‑Subject to Condition 2, this is a G.S.T. inclusive sale. The G.S.T. status of the vendor of any lot can be ascertained before purchase and will be noted on the purchase receipt. Vendors are paid G.S.T. inclusive.

13.   ‑Visits to our premises are at the visitor’s risk. The buyer is responsible for any damage to property or person during their visits to our premises.

14.   ‑Bankcard, Visa and MasterCard are acceptable but incur a fee of 1.2% charged upon the total amount.

CATALOGUE  TERMS

•      The full first name or names and the surname of the artist:
        In our opinion a work by the artist

•      ‑Works denoted “ * ” are usually reserved for overseas works. Clause “ 5 ” of these conditions is voided for works so denoted. This is because the auctioneer is not qualified to express any opinion regarding such works, due to their foreign nature.

•      ‑Works in the “Manner of”, “School of”, or “After” another artists work, or bearing a non genuine signature will be described as such within the catalogue entry.

CLIENT SERVICES

Valuations:

•      Obligation free market estimates are available during business hours and are free.

•      In some instances, valuation fees are refundable from subsequent sales fees.

•      Written valuations incur a fee.

•      Traveling fees apply in some instances.

Sales:

•      Private Treaty

•      Exhibition

•      Auction

Business Hours:

•      Tuesday - Friday   :           10am - 5pm

•      Sunday                  :            2pm - 5 pm

•      Or By Appointment

RECOMMENDED REFERENCES

 A list of references is unusual in an auction catalogue.  However, many people ask us how to obtain information on these artists.  Unfortunately, some of those listed below are out of print, although are usually available through secondhand book dealers.

 (This is not a complete list – but a good starting point from which further references can be obtained.)

 The Art Gallery of W.A. Bookshop, the Lawrence Wilson Gallery and Muirs’ Bookshop often have relevant past exhibition catalogues, and books on individual W.A. artists, in stock.

           •   McCulloch, Alan, “Encyclopedia of Australian Art.”  Hutchinson 1984

 •   Lambert, Susan, “Printmaking” Victoria & Albert Museum, London. 1983

     (Not West Australian, but very relevant in regard to van Raalte’s, Webb’s, et.al.  artworks.  Also, written simply and concisely.)

 •   Gooding, Janda, “Western Australian Art & Artists, 1900-1950”  Art Gallery of W.A., 1987

 •   Anderson, Roderick, “Western Australian Art:  A Selection of Early Works from the Holmes a Court Collection” Heytesbury Holdings Ltd., Perth, 1986

 •   Goddard, Julian, “Harald Vike, 1906-1987” Kingstream Fine Art, 1990

 •   Chapman, Barbara, “The Colonial Eye” Art Gallery of W.A., 1979

 •   Spartalis, Arthur, “Henri van Raalte, Master Printmaker” Arthur Spartalis Fine Art, 1989

 •   Gooding, Janda, “Sunshine and Shadow, A.B. Webb and the poetics of place.”  Art Gallery of W.A., 2004

 •   The Collectors Collection, (Exhibition Catalogue, W. and M. Tucker) Undercroft Gallery, U.W.A., 1989

 •   Gray, Anne, “Line Light & Shadow, J.W.R. Linton”  Fremantle Arts Centre Press, 1986

 •   Sharkey, Christine, “Pictorial Magic:  Boats on the Swan River” Exhibition Catalogue, City of South Perth, 2003

 •   Quin, Sally, “Approaches to Modernism, The Art of Portia Bennett, Elise Blumann and Iris Francis 1930’s to 1950’s”  Exhibition Catalogue, Lawrence Wilson Gallery, U.W.A., 2004  

Catalogue

(Click on images for a larger view)

1.    Harald Vike  (1906-1987)

       Government House and St. Georges Terrace (c.1937)

       Watercolour, Signed lower right

       27 cm x 36.5 cm

       Estimate:  $5,000 – 7,000 

2.    after J. Alphonse Pellion  (active 1817-1820)

       Nouvelle-Hollande, Baie des Chiens Marins camp de l'Uranie, sur la Presqu ile Peron

       (Shark Bay, Western Australia)

       Hand Coloured Engraving

       Plate II from the atlas to Louis de Freycinet’s

       “Voyage Autour du Monde”  Published Paris 1824

       19 cm x 27 cm

       Estimate:  $600 – 900 

       Illustrated: “The Colonial Eye” by Barbara Chapman, 1979, p.21

       Interestingly, the original watercolour was recently purchased in London (at great expense), and brought back to Perth.  It shows de Freycinets wife near her husband (she apparently stowed away) who is at the table – perhaps inspecting maps/charts, on the right hand side of the image.  However, in the official journal illustration, she has been omitted.  

3.    George Courtney Benson  (1886-1960)

       Albany Harbour

       Watercolour, Signed lower right

       17.5 cm x 33.5 cm

       Estimate:  $1,500 - 2,000 

4.    Flora Bobone

       Emu Brewery, Perth   (c.1945)

       Watercolour, Signed lower right

       33 cm x 23 cm

       Estimate:  $300 - 400  

5.    Captain George WR Bourne  (Active 1895 – 1910)

       Albany Harbour  (c.1900)

       Watercolour

       19.5 cm x 32 cm

       Estimate:  $4,000 – 5,000 

       Marine and topographical artist.  Was Harbour Master of the Bunbury Port towards the end of his life, c.1910.  Like Garling in Sydney, he painted portraits of the visiting ships.  His works typically depict Esperance, Albany or Bunbury harbours and/or the ships that visited these harbours.

       Reference:  McCulloch, “Encyclopedia of Australian Art” and Chapman, “The Colonial Eye”  

6.    John Barker  (1867-1943)

       Nocturne  

       Watercolour, Signed lower left

       30 cm x 21 cm

       Estimate:  $1,000 - 2,000    

7.    Percy Ivor Hunt  (1903-1971)

       Figure Study of Jean Hunt  (c.1930)

       Pencil, Signed lower right

       21.5 cm x 18 cm

       Estimate:  $200 - 300 

8.    Iris Francis  (1913-2004)

       Swan River Fishermen, circa 1945

       (City Skyline from Mounts Bay Road Jetty)

       Watercolour, Signed lower right

       26 cm x 32.5 cm

       Estimate:  $1,800 – 2,500  

9.    Captain George WR Bourne  (Active 1895 – 1910)

       Rob Roy

       Watercolour & Bodycolour

       14.5 cm x 24 cm

       Estimate:  $1,200 – 1,800  

10.  Florence Venables Hall  (1897-1975)

       Trilli

       (Portrait of Flora Bobone)

       Pencil, Signed & Dated ‘1938’ lower right

       36.5 cm x 28 cm

       Estimate:  $700 – 1,000 

       Exhibited: Perth Society of Artists, 1938  

11.  Ray Crooke  (1922- )

       Stockman’s Camp, W.A.

       Oil on Board, Signed lower left

       29.5 cm x 44.5 cm

       Estimate:  $3,000 – 4,000

       Note: Original,”von Bertouch Galleries” label verso, with title  

12.  Elizabeth Durack  (1915-2000)

       Trio of Children  (c.1944)

       Oil Pastel on Board, Signed upper right

       56 cm x 44 cm

       Estimate:  $3,000 – 4,000   

13.  Joseph Frost  (1953- )

       The Decoy at Mends Street Jetty, Evening

       Oil on Canvas, Signed lower right

       24.5 cm x 30 cm

       Estimate:  $2,500 – 3,000  

14.  William Boissevain  (1927- )

       Still Life

       Oil on Board, Signed & Dated ‘98’ lower right

       85 cm x 73 cm

       Estimate:  $8,000 – 12,000  

15.  Robert Richmond Campbell  (1902-1972)

       Kalgoorlie c. 1947 - 1949

       Watercolour, Certificate of Authenticity verso

       27 cm x 37 cm

       Estimate:  $500 – 1,000 

16.  Desmond John Brennan  (1945- )

       Rottnest Island Hotel

       Watercolour, Signed & Dated ‘86’ lower left

       41 cm x 53.5 cm

       Estimate:  $2,000 – 3,000

       Illustrated:  “Impressions of Rottnest Island” 

17.  Irene Carter  (1900-1955)

       Chapel, Saint Georges College, Crawley

       Watercolour, Signed lower left

       38 cm x 28 cm

       Estimate:  $2,000 – 3,000   

18.  Marshall Clifton  (1903-1975)

       Beach Scene  (possibly Cottesloe)

       Watercolour, Signed & Dated ‘35’lower left

       17.5 cm x 25.5 cm

       Estimate:  $3,000 – 4,500  

19.  Robert Richmond Campbell  (1902-1972)

       Ora Banda Mine Site

       Watercolour, Signed & Dated ‘48’ lower left

       26 cm x 36 cm

       Estimate:  $1,000 – 1,500 

20.  James WR Linton  (1869-1947)

       The Hunter

       Watercolour, Signed ‘JWRL’ & Dated ‘07’ lower left

       16.5 cm x 24.5 cm

       Estimate:  $2,500 – 3,000   

21.  Rene Collot d’Herbois  (1883-1960)

       Bedfordale

       Watercolour, Signed lower right

       Inscribed with Title lower left

       21 cm x 27.5 cm

       Estimate:  $1,000 – 1,500   

22.  Allon Cook  (1907-1971)