With top tier auction houses exiting the lower and middle market, Albrecht and his head of art, Briar Williams, have worked hard and succeeded in carving out their niche. Joel's Sunday Fine Art Auctions have grown in quality, volume and value and regularly turn up ‘sleepers’ that get local and international collectors excited.
Indeed, a couple of highlights in the 2011 Australian art auction year were realised through these sales last year – fierce competitive bidding for long lost masterpieces such as Edward Bird’s The Country Auction and Lesser Ury’s Berlin Landscape have reaffirmed Joel's position as one of Australia’s leading mixed sale auction rooms.
The treasures Albrecht and his team uncover are the result of Joel’s extensive connection with trustee companies, well - connected solicitors and other disposers of deceased estates.
Their weekly walk in valuation service also turns up valuable unwanted heirlooms and perceived trash that are literally treasure. In Joel’s upcoming sale only 9 works out of 277 carry the resale royalty insignia, indicating a sale comprised of fresh and interesting pictures.
Three European landscapes by renowned colonial artist John Glover and an Arthur Streeton Still Life will pique the interest of collectors of traditional and impressionist works.
Nearly all Australian modernists are represented – albeit fairly average examples of their work. The Perceval Williamstown is too brown, the 1953 Blackman an atypical example from the artist’s period.
Conversely, the sale also features works by Australian expatriate artists from this period. A sumptuous (but small) work by Eric Wilson (Lot 99 ) should appeal to discerning collectors and trade. Two works by tonalist Hayward Veal (lot 3 and 4) are arguably the finest examples of the artist’s work to come to market in recent years. Sunlamps, 1966 a low edition etching by John Brack (Lot 178 ) seems too cheap at its estimate of $3,000 – 5,000 and will generate spirited bidding on the day.
A feature of Joels Sunday Art sales is the number of international works with artist unknown attributions. A number of well painted, ornately framed portraits, featuring unknown sitters will keep the arbitragers busy researching in the lead up to next Sunday.
Other highlights include early transitional artefacts (two boomerangs and a club) and Albert Namatjira’s Morning, Narrow Gap, James Range (Lot 247 ). This work appears to be in impeccable condition and beautifully composed. It’s provenance adds to its value and it should exceed its estimate.
Finally, even contemporary collectors will be drawn into this sale. A large, brooding canvas by contemporary artist Rhys Lee (Lot 192 ) seems conservatively priced at $3,000 – 5,000.
With such diversity it would appear there is something for everyone. No doubt it will be standing room only at Leonard Joels next Sunday.
