Distinguished artist collection hits auction scene

The extensive collection of one of Australia’s most distinguished artists, Deborah Halpern, will go under the hammer from noon Sunday September 25 at Mossgreen 926-930 High Street, Armadale.

About half the 516 lots comprise Australian and international works of fine art, decorative arts, furniture, fashion and accessories the artist has collected throughout her life – either through purchase or inheritance.

These include works by leading figures in Australian arts such as Arthur Boyd, John Perceval, Reg Mombassa, Grahame and Inge King, Mirka Mora, Gwyn Hanssen-Pigott, Reg Preston and an intriguing work by famous American musician Bob Dylan.

The other half of the auction features ceramics, sculptures, paintings and prints by Deborah Halpern.

These cover the salient moments of the artist’s life and mark the biggest collection of her works to ever go on public display.

Earthenware objects, including House of the Rising Sun part of Halpern’s first exhibition in 1978 at Potters Cottage Gallery, are features along with rare designs and maquettes for major exhibitions.

Auction goers will be enthused by many of these commissions that include Angel 1987-9 (National Gallery of Victoria), Ophelia 1992 (Southgate, Melbourne) and Family 1995 (Highpoint, Melbourne).

The auction also contains items that tell Deborah Halpern’s artistic story and the creative community of Warrandyte where she developed her visual flair.

Included are several rare and important Sylha Ceramics and Potters Cottage wares created by the artist’s parents Artur and Sylvia Halpern and her uncle Stacha.