McKenzies Auctioneers next sale on July 25 in Perth comprises more than 130 Lots, including a strong representation of Western Australian artists. An important early work from Howard Taylor 1918-2001 Granite Dome - Most likely Gibraltar Rock, Porongorups (Lot 16 ), c1960s, gouache and wash on paper, (in artists frame), was previously exhibited at Galerie Dusseldorf, exhibition, 'Significant Work from the 60s' 1999, Cat #9; and is accompanied by the original exhibition catalogue.
Two other, later works by Howard Taylor, c1997 and 1984, lots 17 and 18 are also included. It is worth mentioning that the AGWA regards Taylor as Western Australia’s most important artist. Continuing with WA artworks, there are three great ‘family’ pieces by, William Boissevain b.1927, including a rare Self-Portrait (Lot 12 ), a touching Portrait of the Artist’s Son (Lot 13 ) and a sensitive depiction of the artist’s partner (and fellow artist), Portrait of the Artist's Partner, Diana Johnston, (Lot 14 ). Her painterly study, Still Life with Roses (Lot 1 ) is also in the same sale.
Contemporary West Australian ceramics by Pippin Drysdale b.1943, seen in lots 78 through to 81 are expected to attract interest, following recent exhibitions and significant acquisitions by state galleries. Her art practice draws on the natural environment, and the works included here demonstrate her flair for colour and experimental glazing and mark-making techniques.
Elizabeth Durack 1915-2000 is also represented with an intense and atmospheric pastel, Portrait – Roebourne WA 1953 (Lot 40 ). Unseen works by artists having more national significance and stature have also been consigned. Norman Lindsay (1879-1969), Trio (Lot 9 ) is only the second time this work has come to market, having been purchased by the owner’s father in South Australia c1940-41. Two works by Normans brother, Percy Lindsay (1870-1952) are also included. The beautiful and subtle, Nocturne, – Sydney Harbour, (Lot 8 ) and the atmospheric Berrys Bay, Sydney Harbour, (Lot 7 ).
There are two intriguing works consigned to McKenzies directly from France, attributed to Rupert Bunny 1864-1947, Untitled - Very Likely Portrait of Dame Nellie Melba (Lot 27 ), and Untitled - Perhaps a Self-Portrait (Lot 28 ). These were both sold by Conan Belleville Auctions, Lyon, France.
Other works of note include an Arthur Streeton watercolour, View of Windsor Castle (Lot 6 ) and a circa mid-1940s oil, Nude Sketch (Lot 11 ). by Godfrey Miller 1893-1964. The colourful and bright work by Patrick Hockey, Yellow Waters, Kakadu (Lot 73 ), would give life to any room.
Being in WA, there are usually some very fine Indigenous works of art and artefacts. In this sale, a painted woomera by Albert Namatjira 1902-1959 (Lot 105 ), a bold Wandjina in natural ochres on bark from Lily Karadada, (Lot 122 ), and a youthful work from the internationally renowned Daniel Walbidi b.1982, Untitled, 2002, (Lot 116 ). Lots 124 – 136 comprise an important collection of early, meticulously carved and patinated shields, clubs and woomeras and carved and decorated pearl shells of great charm, one with snakes, tree stumps and grass signed and dated by Basil ‘Biggie’ Albert, (Lot 120 ) who was working during the 1970s-80s.
A collection of traditional international art begins at lot 85.
