McKenzies October Auction

McKenzie's Auctioneers much anticipated October auction will feature rare Western Australian Artwork.

Flowering Wattle by arguably one of the Australia’s best flower painters, Marian Ellis Rowan (1848–1922), is estimated to sell at $3,000–6,000. Marian used to travel from her Eastern States home to paint with the wife of our states first premier, Sir John Forrest. Margaret Elvira Forrest together with Marian even travelled inland to the goldfields to paint wildflowers unfamiliar to most at the time. Probably quite an adventure for ladies in the 19th century.

There are also two ‘mystery’, Western Australia art items. A sketchbook, circa 1900 depicting some watercolours of Albany and likely, some of South Australia. Peter McKenzie says, “The 11 watercolours are definitely professional but are unsigned. We unfortunately, don’t know who the artist is. Nonetheless they are spectacular.”

Also on offer is a photographic album, circa late 19th century with 12 silver gelatin prints of Fremantle. These historical scenes show the Port and the City how it was. Other stand out art includes a picture by Elise Blumann (1897–1990) depicting ‘Malcesine’, a resort town on Lake Garda, Northern Italy, estimated to sell at $3,000–5,000.

Blumann arrived in W.A in 1938 having fled Nazi Germany in 1934. When she first exhibited in Perth in 1944, Perth didn’t know what to make of her modernist European style. Now her works hang in the permanent display at the Art Gallery of WA and she is considered one of the state’s pre-eminent and earliest modernists.

Other significant artworks to be offered include good works by prominent artists David Boyd, Pro Hart and Robert Juniper. Collectors of fine jewellery will also find a wide array of very affordable quality emerald, sapphire and ruby pieces, including a 5-carat diamond ring.

An interesting addition to this auction is the wide variety of tribal items on offer from antique Indian n iron Indian Damchiya Dowry chest to Tribal Wooden Chieftains Chairs.

Peter adds, "The African tribal items come from the estate of one of Kenya's leading antique dealers and therefore are of the very highest of standard and not likely to be found anywhere else in Australia.”

Pre-auction viewings will take place on Saturday 12th October and Sunday 13th October 11:00am–4:00pm and Monday 14th 11:00am–5:30pm.

To view the entire catalogue, visit McKenzies Auctioneers website. Telephone or absentee bids can be arranged by contacting McKenzie’s Auctioneers on (08) 9385 4180 or emailing on mgallery@iinet.net.au.