Being the second generation of a business founded by a his dynamic, lively and smartly dressed father Jack Hogan, who was rarely seen not wearing a suit and sported a neatly manicured moustache – Tim had much to live up to. Jack also had close relationships with many of the artists of the day whose work was then keenly sought after but whose following has since dwindled.
Now usually described as traditional, the stock was by artists such as by Ernest Buckmaster, William Rowell and James R. Jackson. Tim continued this format, expanding it more to include Colonial artists. He is remembered also having made impressive discoveries of works, particularly by Eugene von Guerard. But as a result, he was hard hit by the change in fashion and the "recession we had to have” in 1996.
However he was able to put this behind him and was able to maintain and build upon his former ties with the trade to become one of Australia’s leading commission agents, possibly placing more of the commission bids at Melbourne auctions such as Joel’s, McCanns and Aingers than any other operator. His knowledge also supported a valuation business.
The second potential blow to his business was the subtle, creeping arrival of internet bidding, where bidders who were not seeking the absolute discretion and convenience of a bidding agent could achieve this on their own from their office or the home. Nevertheless, he remained one of the masters of this specialisation that had been an integral part of the Melbourne antiques and art trade since its origins in Victorian times. Tim was to be found at the auctions almost as frequently as Joan McClelland who died last year.
Auctioneeer Graham Joel, who died last month, was his main focus of attention during countless auctions involving thousands of art works and antiques. In an interview in 2014 he recalled attending his first Joel's auction at the age of 6.
Despite attending to the steady flow of commissions a constant stream of bids he found a healthy diversion in rowing for which he received many medals but his stamina was tested in the last few months when he lost a four year battle with cancer.
He had many close friendships and valued relationships with members of the trade. These include Jim Elder of Adelaide who had an association with him of several decades. Tim operated a bidding service in conjunction with fellow bidding agent Lester de Vere for over 21 years. By amicable agreement the partnership, known as the Independent Bidding Service ceased operating 4 years ago. Other members of the trade including auctioneer John Ainger and art consultant Chris Cullity spoke very highly of him as did several others of the same vintage – from an era when dealers and an appreciation of the past flourished as keenly as the art of the present is appreciated today.
A catalogued joint exhibition held with a then new-to-the scene Chris Deutscher in 1979 was a landmark in Australian taste and there were several other such joint ventures with dealers. Punters such as Harry the Hat and Justin Barker (a veterinarian with a keen eye for the traditional) were often on his doorstep or joined him at Armadale pub celebrations after an auction.
Hogan was described as a sounding board for the Melbourne art trade business as well as having considerable knowledge of art that he was happy to share with anyone who sought it. He also did ready favours for people in need of them
There was a full house at the wake held for him at Leonard Joel's auction rooms in South Yarra on 21 February.
Tim leaves behind his partner Ami, children Amy, Sam and Tom with his first wife Helen, and seven grandchildren.
