Gibson's will present their periodic Summer Art Online Auction featuring the Jan Courtin and Marshall Harris Collection in their Armadale rooms on 13 February 2024. The 409 lot auction encompasses paintings, sculptures and works on paper by Australian, Indigenous and international artists such as Tony Tuckson, Ray Crooke, David Larwill, Pro Hart, Johnny Warangkula Tjupurrula and Major Riley Tjangala. Above: Howdy, 2008 by David Larwill (1956-2011) estimated at $4,000 - $6,000
Part I (Lots 1-82) comprises the Jan Courtin and Marshall Harris Collection - an eclectic selection of Australian abstraction and expressionism artists including Brett McMahon, Joe Furlonger, Terri Brooks, Aida Tomescu, Elisabeth Cummings and Euan Mcleod. Jan Courtin and her husband Marshall Harris championed emerging Australian artists via their gallery in the historic arts precinct in Paddington, Sydney. In the gallery's infancy, they exhibited works by Polly Courtin, Jan’s sister. A couple of years later, they launched the Harris Courtin Gallery, showcasing works of emerging and established Australian artists. Together, they amassed an extensive private collection that represented their gallery's artists and the couple's genuine support and enthusiasm for local Australian artists.
In 2019, Jan and Marshall relocated to Melbourne, establishing a quaint and stylish home in Albert Park. Adorning every wall and room of their charming Albert Park abode was a patchwork salon hang, serving as a colourful backdrop to their daily lives and embodying the couple's eccentric taste and style. Jan and Marshall both tragically passed away in 2022, and the family respectfully presents the market with this much loved personal collection.
Notable works in the collection are two compact yet punchy examples of ROAR artist David Larwill (1956-2011) Howdy, 2008 (Lot 1 ) and Surprise, 2008 (Lot 11 ) bound to attract some interest from collectors looking to fill some gaps in their salon hangs. Nicholas Burton (Born 1959) figures prominently, his work known for exploring the elemental textures of metal; employing denting, scratching and riveting to create mesmerising patternation as demonstrated in Water Tank 2005 (Lot 5 ) and Afternoon, 2008 (Lot 51 ). Others to note are four works by widely respected artist Elisabeth Cummings (Born 1934) whose career spans 60 years – Untitled, 2008 (Lot 6 ) is a classic example of her explorations in abstract painting.
Part II of the Summer Art auction presents an accessible selection of artworks by staple Australian artists such as Kenneth Jack, Ray Crooke, Pro Hart, Robert Johnson and maritime artist George Frederick Gregory. Comprising 325 lots, the myriad of genres and mediums represented here will appeal to all manner of collectors.
Notable works include a large work by Margaret Woodward (Born 1938) To History's Long Memory (Reference To Rembrandt's Susannah), 1993 (Lot 148 ). Four well executed watercolours of Victorian landmarks by Kenneth Jack (1924-2006) are being offered for the first time on the market including Old Park Buildings, Craigie, Victoria 1977 (Lot 181 ). Kenneth Rowell (1920-1999) features heavily with several theatrical sketches from the Melbourne-born painter and designer. A charming tropical landscape by naïve artist Raphael Saldana (1930-2000) Jungle Garden (Lot 197 ) and two exuberant paintings by Aaron Kinnane (Born 1977) Turtle 2006 (Lot 365 ) and Elephant 2007 (Lot 366 ).
